Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas has made a much-anticipated return to the world of music, and this time, she’s embracing her South Asian roots in a fresh way. The actor, producer, and former singer has lent her voice to a Desi reimagining of Wham!’s timeless holiday anthem Last Christmas. The track features in acclaimed British-Indian filmmaker Gurinder Chadha’s upcoming musical film, Christmas Karma.
The film, which promises to be a heartwarming celebration of family, culture, and festive spirit, is slated to release in the UK, Ireland, and the US on November 14, followed by its India release on December 12. Chadha, best known for her films Bend It Like Beckham and Bride and Prejudice, has described Christmas Karma as one of her most personal and ambitious projects yet — a musical that explores the intersections of tradition, faith, and love during the most magical time of the year.
A Musical Reunion Years in the Making
Priyanka Chopra’s return to singing marks a special moment for fans who have followed her journey from Bollywood to Hollywood. She made her global singing debut over a decade ago with singles like In My City featuring will.i.am and Exotic featuring Pitbull, which established her as one of the few Indian artists to cross over into international pop music.
Although Priyanka later shifted her focus primarily to acting and producing, her passion for music never truly faded. Her collaboration with Gurinder Chadha on Christmas Karma was, according to Chadha, born out of mutual respect and friendship.
Sharing the news on Instagram, the director posted a clip from the song and wrote an emotional note about Priyanka’s involvement:
“This is @priyankachopra for you. One call to support the movie and she was in. Always ready to support filmmakers from our community. Using her platform and her voice (in this case even the singing one) in support of my vision. Thank you for supporting me always, Pri. And so here it is… our reimagined version of #LastChristmas with all the playfulness I hope #GeorgeMichael would have loved.”
Chadha’s message highlights how Priyanka immediately agreed to be part of the project, offering her voice and presence to bring a Desi touch to one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time.
A Desi Spin on a Global Classic
The Desi version of Last Christmas fuses traditional Indian instrumentation — including tabla, sitar, and dhol beats — with modern pop elements, giving the song a vibrant multicultural twist. The reimagined track retains the spirit of the original George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley hit but infuses it with festive energy and a distinctly Indian flavor.
The song is also said to reflect the broader themes of Christmas Karma, which celebrates togetherness, redemption, and the magic of second chances. Gurinder Chadha has often used music as a bridge between cultures, and this collaboration with Priyanka continues that tradition.
Internet Reacts: Praise, Nostalgia, and a Dash of Criticism
While many fans appreciated Priyanka’s effort to blend her Indian heritage with Western pop culture, reactions on social media were sharply divided. Some praised her for reviving her musical persona and supporting a community-driven film, while others were less kind, calling the rendition “cringe” and claiming it “didn’t capture the emotional essence” of the original.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Love the idea, but the execution feels awkward. The original is so iconic, it’s hard to top.”
Another fan countered with, “Priyanka’s voice suits the festive vibe! It’s refreshing to see her back in music again — and in such a fun way.”
Despite the mixed reactions, the buzz surrounding the song has undeniably worked in the film’s favor. Christmas Karma has become one of the most discussed upcoming holiday releases, with fans eager to see how the song fits into the movie’s storyline.
A Celebration of Community and Creativity
Beyond the headlines and online chatter, Gurinder Chadha’s message underscores the importance of representation and collaboration in global cinema. Both Chadha and Priyanka Chopra have built careers championing South Asian narratives in Western spaces, and their partnership on Christmas Karma represents a continuation of that mission.
Priyanka, who has been busy with Hollywood projects and philanthropic work through her foundation, seems to have embraced this musical comeback as a way to reconnect with her artistic versatility. Her willingness to experiment — even at the risk of dividing opinions — showcases her confidence as a performer unafraid to take creative risks.
What’s Next for Priyanka Chopra?
Following this musical release, Priyanka Chopra has several projects lined up, including the action thriller Heads of State with Idris Elba and John Cena, and a rumored return to Bollywood in Farhan Akhtar’s Jee Le Zaraa.
As Christmas Karma gears up for its global release, all eyes will be on how Priyanka’s Desi version of Last Christmas resonates with audiences during the holiday season. Love it or hate it, one thing is certain — Priyanka’s comeback has once again proven that she remains one of the most dynamic and daring artists of her generation.
