Priyanka Chopra Jonas has reportedly added another major project to her already packed India calendar. Even as she continues filming for SS Rajamouli's upcoming epic 'Varanasi', the actor is said to have completed a brief but impactful appearance in filmmaker Mira Nair's biographical drama 'Amri', based on the life of iconic painter Amrita Sher-Gil.
According to a report in Mid Day, Chopra shot her portion for the film last week, marking her first-ever collaboration with the acclaimed director.
Priyanka joins Mira Nair's ambitious project
'Amri' has been kept largely under wraps, with details of the cast and storyline yet to be officially revealed. However, industry chatter suggests that Priyanka's involvement, while limited, plays a meaningful part in the film's narrative.
A source told the publication, "The film aims to present the painter's life across Hungary, India, and France. There was a specific part for which Mira had approached Priyanka last year, and she shot for it last week. The actor was in Hyderabad to finish some work on 'Varanasi'. After that, she flew down to Amritsar and filmed for two days."
The actor reportedly adjusted her schedule to accommodate the shoot, travelling from Hyderabad, where she has been working on 'Varanasi', to Amritsar for the two-day filming commitment.
What is 'Amri' about?
The film is described as a sweeping biographical drama chronicling Amrita Sher-Gil's life across continents. Considered one of the most influential modern artists of the 20th century, Sher-Gil blended Western oil techniques with Indian subjects, reshaping the trajectory of Indian art. Born in Budapest to a Sikh father and Hungarian mother, she lived and worked between Europe and India, drawing from both worlds.
Sources claim 'Amri' will explore the artist's formative years and creative evolution across Hungary, France and India, reflecting her multicultural identity and artistic legacy.
Who is playing Amrita Sher-Gil?
The makers have not made any casting announcements, but reports indicate that Tanya Maniktala may portray the celebrated artist. If confirmed, it would reunite her with Mira Nair following A Suitable Boy and generate considerable buzz for a young-led international production.
Priyanka's role
Though described as a special appearance, insiders suggest Priyanka's part carries more depth than a standard cameo and provides emotional or narrative weight to the film. Her addition has heightened interest in the closely guarded project, given the global stature of both her and Nair.
Who is Amrita Sher-Gil?
Amrita Sher-Gil (1913-1941) is widely regarded as a pioneer of modern Indian art. A prodigious talent, she became the youngest, and only Asian, artist to win a gold medal at the Paris Salon in 1933. Her paintings often centred on women, rural life and themes of identity, influenced later by Indian artistic traditions such as the Ajanta caves.
Sher-Gil died at 28 under mysterious circumstances, but her body of work, 172 paintings, was designated national treasure by the Indian government in 1976.
Priyanka Chopra's upcoming films
Beyond 'Amri', Chopra is gearing up for one of her biggest Indian releases in years, 'Varanasi', directed by SS Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film is slated to release in theatres on 7 April 2027.