Priyanka Chopra, the acclaimed actor and global star, took a sentimental stroll down memory lane on August 18, 2025, as she marked the 16th anniversary of the film Kaminey. The 2009 thriller, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, is widely recognized as a pivotal moment in Chopra’s career—a turning point that helped redefine her image in Indian cinema. As reported by India Today and News18, Chopra shared an emotional Instagram post, recounting the serendipitous series of events that led her to the role of Sweety Bhope, and reflecting on the film’s lasting impact on her journey as an actor.
In a heartfelt note to her millions of followers, Chopra revealed that her association with Kaminey began with a missed call from Vishal Bhardwaj. At the time, she was busy filming Dostana in Miami, Florida, under the direction of Tarun Mansukhani, alongside co-stars Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham. “One cool evening after we wrapped shoot, I saw a missed call from Vishal Bhardwaj. What?? I had wanted to work with him forever and never thought he would cast me because of my ‘commercial’ image at the time,” she wrote, as quoted by India Today and News18.
Bhardwaj’s faith in Chopra’s talent would soon become evident. He flew all the way to Miami to personally narrate the script to her—a gesture that left a lasting impression. “He said he’d like to come see me, and he did. To Miami. I remember him telling me the story, and I said, ‘Well, she has approximately 8 scenes.’ And he said, ‘With us working on it, it will end up being so much more. Trust me.’ And I did,” Chopra recounted in her post, as cited by News18.
Though her character Sweety was not the story’s anchor, Chopra’s performance brought a unique liveliness and strength to the role. Her chemistry with Shahid Kapoor, who played a challenging double role, was widely appreciated by critics and audiences alike. “@shahidkapoor was sensational in his double role. #AmolGupte was unforgettable. I also met @mubinarattonsey for the first time on this set. Those were the times. 16 years ago!” she reminisced, highlighting the camaraderie and creativity that defined the film’s production.
Chopra’s post also shed light on her initial doubts about being cast in a film by Bhardwaj, known for his unconventional storytelling and penchant for complex characters. “I had wanted to work with him forever and never thought he would cast me because of my ‘commercial’ image at the time,” she admitted. Yet, Bhardwaj’s willingness to look past industry stereotypes and trust her with the role of Sweety proved transformative—not just for the film, but for Chopra’s own sense of artistic possibility.
As she reflected on the experience, Chopra credited Bhardwaj with teaching her invaluable lessons in preparation and performance. “#Kaminey remains a turning point in my career. I learned so much from the master @vishalrbhardwaj, how to research, prepare and then surrender to the part,” she wrote, as reported by India Today. This spirit of surrender and dedication, she suggested, became a hallmark of her future work, both in India and abroad.
But the collaboration between Chopra and Bhardwaj did not end with Kaminey. As she revealed, Bhardwaj had made her a promise during their first project together—a promise he would later fulfill. “He promised he would make something incredible for me after this in appreciation for doing the part. But honestly, I was just greedy to work with him. A few years later, we did 7 Khoon Maaf,” Chopra wrote. The 2011 thriller, also featuring the late Irrfan Khan, saw Chopra deliver one of her most memorable performances as Susanna, a woman who kills her seven husbands—a role that further cemented her reputation as a versatile and fearless actor.
Looking back, Chopra acknowledged that Kaminey was more than just another film in her repertoire. It was a catalyst for change, pushing her to embrace challenging roles and collaborate with filmmakers who valued depth and nuance over typecasting. “I learned so much from the master @vishalrbhardwaj—how to research, prepare, and then surrender to the part,” she reiterated, emphasizing the profound influence Bhardwaj had on her craft.
Chopra’s journey since Kaminey has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has seamlessly transitioned between Bollywood and Hollywood, earning acclaim for her performances in both industries. Most recently, she starred in the Netflix action-comedy Heads of State, alongside John Cena and Idris Elba. The globe-trotting buddy comedy, directed by Ilya Naishuller, saw Chopra take on a dynamic role opposite some of the biggest names in international cinema.
Her Hollywood trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. As reported by News18, Chopra’s next major international release is The Bluff, produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO Productions and directed by Frank E. Flowers. The project is already generating buzz, with fans eager to see Chopra in yet another transformative role.
But for all her global success, Chopra’s heart remains tethered to Indian cinema. She is set to make a highly anticipated return with a film directed by SS Rajamouli, tentatively titled SSMB29, co-starring Mahesh Babu. According to India Today, the film reportedly explores the origins of the ancient city of Varanasi—a subject that promises both grandeur and depth. Chopra’s involvement has already sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders, who see her comeback as a homecoming of sorts.
Chopra’s nostalgia for Kaminey is not an isolated moment. She has been actively sharing anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories from her most iconic performances, giving fans a rare glimpse into the making of some of Bollywood’s most memorable films. These reflections, often posted on social media, serve as both a celebration of her past and a teaser for what’s to come.
As she looks ahead to new projects and challenges, Chopra’s reflections on Kaminey offer a powerful reminder of the importance of taking risks, trusting collaborators, and embracing change. Her journey—from a “commercial” star uncertain about her place in a Vishal Bhardwaj film, to a global icon with a diverse and daring filmography—is a testament to the power of reinvention and resilience in the ever-evolving world of cinema.
Sixteen years after Kaminey first hit theaters, Priyanka Chopra’s journey stands as proof that a single film, and a director’s leap of faith, can indeed change everything.
