‘Quantico’ star Priyanka Chopra talks bullying and discrimination in the cover of New You magazine

"Quantico" star Priyanka Chopra is the new covergirl of the winter issue of New You magazine, which is now on newsstands. In a recent interview, the actress who has managed to break into Hollywood with her hit TV series said that her journey to the country has not always been rosy. She talked about bullying and added that confidence was her weapon in dealing with the issue.

Chopra reportedly hopes that sharing her story will help young girls in similar situations. She is very passionate about teaching girls how to be independent, ABC reports. The Bollywood star said that her parents raised her and her brother in an equal manner. She added that they were taught to have opinions, make decisions and have conviction, E Online reports.

The 33-year-old actress' first experience in the U.S. was when she was a teenager. She said that after a family vacation in America, she fell in love with the country and lived with her aunt and uncle at the age of 13. Chopra attended high school in Queens, New York and later in Newton, Massachusetts.

“When I went to school here, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me. I was called ‘Brownie’ and told, 'Take your curry and go back to your country,’” she recounted. Her different culture made her a target for bullies, People reports.

Chopra said that it was very difficult for her and she wanted to go home, which she did after some time. She said it was the best decision that she has made, as she went on to win the Miss India and Miss World titles afterward. The actress then entered Bollywood after winning the Miss India and the Miss World crown in 2000.

Talking about acting, Chopra said that she believes in herself and her art. The star, whose latest Bollywood flick “Bajirao Mastani” is due for release in India, said that she would go wherever her work takes her.

Chopra also said that she wants to entertain people and tell stories globally. Talking to USA Today, she said that hopefully “Quantico” is a step in that direction.

The actress also talked about "Quantico" and were all praises for ABC, as the network and the producers gave her an opportunity to “conform as an Indian actress to play an ethnically ambiguous part.” She opted for the theme of terrorism drama for her first American show as she felt it was relevant and entertaining, NYT reports.

Chopra is the first South Asian and Indian actress cast by ABC in its series. According to the publication, “Quantico” has been breaking the stereotypes when it comes to terrorism and the political distrust that people have of law enforcement. The show addresses issues in an entertaining way, making it relevant and a hit with the audience.

“Quantico” airs at 10 pm on Sundays on ABC in the U.S.

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