April 15, 2023
Indian film actress Priyanka Chopra recently congratulated Oscar-winning Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy after it was revealed that she will be directing a Star Wars film.
Chinoy will be the first woman and person of colour set to helm a Star Wars movie which will be set after the events of 2019’s Rise of Skywalker.
“First person of colour and first woman to direct a ‘Star Wars’ film…and she’s South Asian!! What a historic moment @sharmeenobaidchinoy. So so proud of you my friend! May the force be with you!” Priyanka wrote on her Instagram story.
However, this did not sit well with Pakistani actor Adnan Siddiqui who schooled the Indian actress for calling Chinoy a "South Asian" instead of Pakistani.
Taking to Twitter, the Meray Paas Tum Ho actor told Chorpa that this was exactly like she would identify herself as an Indian.
"With due respect, Priyanka Chopra, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy is a Pakistani first just to brush up your knowledge. Much like the way you flaunt your Indian nationality whenever you get the opportunity before claiming to be a South Asian," Siddiqui wrote.
He also attached a screenshot of Chopra's Instagram story where she commended Chinoy.
Chinoy's Star Wars movie will feature actor Daisy Ridley as the main character of Rey as she builds a new Jedi Order. Her movie will be scripted by writer Steven Knight — who also penned the scripts of Peaky Blinders and Spencer.
The announcement was made by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy at Star Wars Celebration in London last week. However, the project is still untitled.
Confirming the news, Chinoy said that she was very excited to be directing the next Star Wars movie and bringing Ridley back to the galaxy.
"I have always been attracted to the hero's journey and the world definitely needs more heroes!" she wrote on her Instagram account.
"The blueprints of the heroes we see on screen are rooted in reality — I’ve spent my life meeting real-life heroes, who have overcome the most oppressive empires and battled impossible odds and that to me is the heart of Star Wars...which is why I was attracted to the promise of a new Jedi Order …And why I'm particularly excited about being immersed inside a Jedi Academy with a powerful Jedi Master," she said.