Priyanka Chopra Jonas on colonial scars, recalls ‘Indians and dogs not allowed’ signs: ‘They destroyed human lives forever’

Actor Priyanka Chopra recently sparked online discussions after speaking about India’s ancient civilisation and historical experiences during a podcast appearance. The ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Barfi!’ actor spoke about the country’s rich heritage while reflecting on what she described as the “scars of invasion” left by centuries of foreign rule. During a podcast conversation, Chopra highlighted how India faced invasions and colonisation by several powers, including the Mughals, the Portuguese, and the British. She also pointed to the deep social impact of colonial rule, mentioning discriminatory practices during the British era.Referring to the period of colonial dominance, she noted that certain public places once displayed exclusionary signs that read “Indians and dogs not allowed,” describing it as a painful reminder of the country’s past. Speaking on the Joe Rogan Podcast, Chopra also spoke about India’s ancient knowledge systems and cultural traditions. She mentioned the Vedas while discussing the depth of philosophical and spiritual ideas found in early Indian texts. The actor also mentioned the Kailasa Temple at Ellora Caves, calling it one of the most remarkable architectural achievements in the country. The temple, carved out of a single rock, is often considered an extraordinary example of ancient engineering and craftsmanship.Chopra further touched upon mythological references to flying machines known as vimanas, which ancient texts and epics describe. According to her, such stories reflect how advanced and imaginative early civilisations were in their understanding of the world.Chopra's remarks quickly began circulating online, drawing mixed responses from viewers. Many social media users praised Priyanka for speaking about India’s culture and history on a global platform, calling her a strong ambassador for Indian heritage. At the same time, some critics questioned her statements and debated her interpretation of historical and mythological narratives. The discussion soon turned into a wider conversation about how Indian history and culture are presented to international audiences. On the work front, Priyanka was recently seen in the action-adventure film ‘The Bluff’, which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The film features her in a physically demanding role and marks another step in her expanding global career. Over the years, Priyanka has successfully transitioned from Bollywood films like ‘Don’ and ‘Mary Kom’ to international projects, continuing to build a presence across both Indian and global entertainment industries.Chopra will be seen in SS Rajamouli's magnum opus titled 'Varanasi,' starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran.