Priyanka Chopra is a force to be reckoned with – not only is she immensely talented, making her mark both in India and internationally, but she’s also true blue role model material. She’s sensible, smart, and she’s not afraid to stand up for what is right or to talk about things that other celebrities may shy away from. This year alone she’s given many interviews and said so many things that we could all learn from, like:

When she talked about breaking stereotypes…

I wanted to make sure that Indian talent is recognized without the box that we are usually kept in. Everybody doesn’t speak like Apu from The Simpsons. We all don’t smell of curry. We all are not ugly-looking nerds, who are shy and always keep sitting behind their computers. Yes, we are very proud of our big families but that doesn’t mean ki har gaadi mein se 15 log bahar niklenge. In global pop-culture, we are always represented like that. I wanted to break that.

Read more here.

When she addressed the wage gap practically…

I feel we have strong female performers, and the day female-oriented films do well at the box office it will lead to a [change in remuneration for actresses]. I think we will be able to command a remuneration that we deserve… It will be a slow and steady thing but it will happen.

When she recalled a producer calling actresses “replaceable”…

I didn’t want to be replaceable. I wanted to be irreplaceable. So that rubbed me the wrong way, and I think subconsciously that’s why I started doing empowered roles.

Read more here.

When she revealed the secret to her success…

I have no blessed beginnings or superpowers that have brought me to where I am, except for the fact I’m not afraid to work hard.

When she took on political forces like a boss…

I know I may get into trouble for saying all this but I can’t be a silent witness to character defamation based on opinions anymore.. That is not what the India I grew up [in] taught me.

Read more here.

When she called out sexism…

I think women have been treated like second-class people, no matter where in the world we go.

When she made this very important statement…

I think it’s important to have a colorblind world, and the world’s ready for that. We’ve spent enough time on the color of someone’s skin; we need to start focusing on abilities and who’s best for the job. That’ll bring a form of equality to the world.

Read more here.

#Respect