Five years ago, global icon Priyanka Chopra opened her heart and shared her journey in her first ever published book, titled Unfinished: A Memoir, that resonated with millions around the world. The book offered a rather intimate look at her transformation from a small-town girl in India to a global name to be reckoned with, chronicling her wins, setbacks, and everything in between. With candid storytelling, just as Priyanka is known for even for her conversations, she offered the world a peek into the woman behind the headlines, complete with honest confessions about being vulnerable, ambitious, curious, and constantly evolving. Unfinished was an invitation to everyone to embrace one's own imperfections and view life as an ongoing journey rather than a destination. And as we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we revisit seven quotes from the book that continue to inspire us to embrace change, take risks, and remain students of life.
1. On the Freedom to Change Course:
"IT'S OK to pick up, walk away, leave things unfinished, and move on to what's next."
Priyanka reminds us that sometimes the bravest thing one can do is recognisee when it's time to move forward.
2. On Using Your Platform Wisely:
"Privilege and responsibility go hand in hand."
This serves as a powerful reminder that with every opportunity, comes an obligation to do better and lift others along the way.
3. On Taking Risks Despite Fear:
"I have taken many leaps of faith, often times when I was advised not to... and even when I too was afraid.
This quote encapsulates Priyanka's entire career, from pageantry to Bollywood to Hollywood, from acting to producing, and how this still keeps her 'Unfinished'!
4. On How Curiosity Always Served Her Well:
"I have always been guided by my curiosity."
A reminder that curiosity, more than strategy, has been the driving force behind some of Priyanka's biggest choices, reinventions, and learnings in life.
5. On Standing Behind Your Decisions:
"Short version: Own your choices. Or, as my mother must have told me hundreds of times growing up, 'have courage of conviction.'"
Maternal wisdom meets personal philosophy. It's a simple but profound principle that has clearly shaped and is a humungous part of who Priyanka is today.
6. On Sharing the Journey:
"I hope that whatever I have learned along the way, from fellow passengers, from my efforts and my own mistakes, can contribute to your journey, too. Because as I have discovered, if you're willing to be a student of life, the possibilities are endless."
This quote reflects the heart of Unfinished, Priyanka's willingness to share lived wisdom with humility, reminding everyone that staying open to learning keeps life boundless.
7. On Facing What's Difficult:
"We as human beings have a tendency to look away from what's uncomfortable or painful. It's natural. But if we can turn our gaze to what is difficult, or open our eyes just a bit wider, we have the chance to do something life-affirming."
Perhaps one of the most profound insights from the book, where Priyanka talks about how transformation often happens when we stop looking away from what makes us uncomfortable.
Five years later, Unfinished continues to hold relevance because its central message is timeless, that we all are works in progress.