Dear former Miss World,
The world watched when you released your first musical album. The world watched as you made Alex Parrish happen. The world watched when you made your first appearance on Ellen, your first Oscars, when you made your debut at the Emmy’s by breaking the unwritten rule of not wearing red on the red carpet, in all your glory. Everybody watched when you were awarded a Padma Shri and the honour of being on the Time and Forbes’ lists.
We know the commute from “The Hero” to “Baywatch” couldn’t have been easy, even though we’ve only been spectators in your journey. You’ve broken every stereotype and you’ve you done it not just by your unconventional choice of roles, you’ve shattered every glass-ceiling, not just with your speech at the Penguin Annual Lecture but by showing everyone that you’re truly beyond every tag. You’ve never given in to the prejudice of what an actor should be, you were never defined by the term woman of colour. You never allowed yourself to be tied down by these labels.
While some might say that social identities only come into play when we are faced by somebody who belongs to a contrasting group of the same category, you’ve shown us that being Priyanka is your only identity. I cannot think of another name from the entertainment industry that has become such a huge inspiration for women around the world. Your journey has been realistic and awe-inspiring, your empire has been built with blood, salt and water. It stands on pure hard work and diligence.
This is a thank you letter for showing women around the world your tremendous work ethic, for teaching them that they can be shit-hot at the whole shebang, that there is nothing wrong in being ambitious and wanting to have everything, be everywhere, to want the whole cake and eat it by themselves.
I can only congratulate you Priyanka, you’ve made it happen and along the way, you’ve inspired millions across the globe. You envisioned what a woman can be when she is unstoppable and you’ve showcased just that. We know your journey is still unfinished, so ride to glory world conquerer, I know you can look fabulous and keep a heart of gold while doing all of it.
– One of the many hearts you inspire, Maria.