Priyanka Chopra (left) and Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy (right) pose for pictures (Images courtesy AFP)
Priyanka Chopra’s description of Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy as “South Asian” has angered many in the director’s home country, including actor Adnan Siddiqui. Priyanka has been at the forefront of efforts to increase visibility for South Asian artists in Hollywood and international cinema; Among other things, she hosts a pre-Oscars event in Los Angeles to honor South Asian excellence and achievers in the world of cinema – which Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy attended this year. Ms. Obaid Chinoy, who directed two episodes of Ms. Marvel that featured a South Asian cast and were partially set in Pakistan, will direct an untitled Star Wars film, it was announced about a week ago.
Priyanka Chopra posted an Instagram Story congratulating the filmmaker, writing: “The first person of color and the first woman to direct a Star Wars film…and she’s South Asian! What a historic moment Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy. My So proud of you buddy. May the force be with you!”
Pakistani actor Adnan Siddiqui, familiar to Indian audiences from his role in Sridevi’s last film Mom, was among those who expressed their displeasure over Priyanka’s failure to specify Ms Obaid Chinoy’s nationality. Over the weekend, he tweeted: “With all due respect, Priyanka Chopra, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy is a Pakistani just to brush up your knowledge. Before claiming to be a South Asian please prove your Indian nationality whenever you get a chance.” Mr. Siddiqui did not provide any example of Priyanka Chopra “showcasing” her Indian identity, as he put it.
In the comment thread, several verified handles of Pakistani nationality or origin agree. Writer Faisal Kapadia wrote: “Sharmeen is a Pakistani and should be called that.” Journalist Anees Farooqui replied to Adnan Siddiqui and said, ‘Absolutely right Adnan bhai.’ However, filmmaker Shahnawaz Zali begged to differ: “There is nothing wrong with being called South Asian (which we are proud of) maybe you should always appreciate things, not always and constantly find fault with it.” Must try.” On Twitter, critics of Priyanka Chopra called her bigoted and nasty.
Check out Adnan Siddiqui’s post here:
With all due respect, @priyankachopra. Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy is the first Pakistani to enhance your knowledge. Before claiming to be South Asian you flaunt your Indian nationality whenever you get a chance. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/B7wy8gD8QB
— adnan siddiqui (@adnanactor) April 14, 2023
Priyanka Chopra has not responded and neither has Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy. In March, he posted a group photo from Priyanka’s pre-Oscars event which also included Malala Yousafzai, singer Ali Sethi, Queer Eyes Tan France and others of Pakistani origin. In the caption of the picture, Ms Obaid Chinoy, who twice identifies as South Asian (as well as Pakistani), wrote: “It was an emotional night for many of us in LA… in 2012 There were three South Asians when I was there at the Oscars! A decade later, over 100 of us came together to celebrate South Asians in cinema…and there were many Pakistanis among us…I told Sam get up on stage and give a speech about Joyland – Malala speaks about her support for cinema and Ali Sethi brings down the house with Pasuri … and I will proudly say the only actress with two Academy Awards So much love for that achievement as a South Asian woman! This is our time and we have arrived!”
Check out her post here:
Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy is the winner of two Best Documentary Short Subject Oscars for her films Saving Face and A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness.
Priyanka Chopra currently stars in the Russo Brothers-produced series Citadel, with credits such as Quantico, the Baywatch film, and Matrix Resurrection on her international resume.