Post by : Meena
Hassan
Before gaining global fame with her role in Quantico (2015), Priyanka Chopra Jonas showcased her singing talent. Her debut single In My City (2012), featuring American rapper will.i.am, marked her entry into the international music scene. While it received varied feedback, her subsequent collaboration with Pitbull, Exotic, became a major hit, establishing her as India’s pop sensation. After lending her voice to soundtracks for films like Mary Kom (2014) and Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), she shifted her focus back to acting and production.
Now, nearly ten years later, the actress-singer has made a comeback with a fresh track—a desi version of the cherished holiday favorite Last Christmas. Featured in the upcoming film Christmas Karma, the song has quickly garnered attention across social media platforms, though not all of it is positive.
The film Christmas Karma boasts a diverse cast including Kunal Nayyar, Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, and Boy George, and is helmed by renowned British director Gurinder Chadha, celebrated for works like Bend It Like Beckham (2002) and Bride and Prejudice (2004). Slated for release on November 14, the film aims to spread a cheerful, multicultural message. Prior to its release, the team presented Priyanka’s rendition of Last Christmas (Desi Version), which retains George Michael’s iconic melody while featuring Hindi lyrics such as “Last Christmas de diya dil.”
While fans were thrilled to see Priyanka return to music, online reactions have been less than favorable. A popular Reddit thread about the song saw multiple users criticizing it for “butchering” a timeless classic. One commenter lamented, “Butchering one of the most iconic Christmas songs ever. George Michael is rolling in his grave.” Another chimed in with a similar sentiment: “George Michael crying in his grave.”
Critics expressed discontent regarding the translation, stating, “It’s 2025, for God’s sake! Can we still not create better Hindi lyrics for borrowed English songs?” Another commented, “Either sing the entire song in English or stick to Hindi.” Even dedicated fans of Priyanka were divided; one wrote, “I love PC! But no amount of love can convince me she should keep singing.”
Despite the backlash, the discussion surrounding the song has reignited interest in Bollywood artists experimenting with Western hits and merging global and Indian sounds. Supporters praised Priyanka for her bravery and willingness to blend cultures, labeling it a “bold creative move.”
On the acting front, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is gearing up for her much-anticipated return to Indian cinema. She is set to star alongside superstar Mahesh Babu in SS Rajamouli’s upcoming Telugu project, tentatively named SSMB29. This film is expected to be an action-adventure with a global narrative, marking Priyanka’s return to Indian films after focusing on international projects for several years.
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