Vogue Arabia Unveils May 2026 Cover Star Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Vogue Arabia reveals its May 2026 cover star, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, a truly global force spanning film, television, and fashion, while remaining deeply rooted in her Indian heritage and anchored in her role as a mother. 

Manuel Arnaut, Head of Editorial Content, Vogue Arabia said: “With new projects across television and fashion, Priyanka Chopra Jonas stands as a truly global star, deeply rooted in her Indian heritage and anchored in her role as a mother. In a region where Indian cinema and talent have long resonated with audiences, she continues to command a wide and loyal fanbase across the Gulf. She represents a rare kind of global influence that moves seamlessly between entertainment, fashion and purpose. Whether on screen or through her work with UNICEF, she leads with intention, conviction and a deep sense of identity. Meet a woman with main character energy, in fiction and in real life.”

In an exclusive interview with Vogue Arabia, Priyanka Chopra Jonas reflects on her evolving career, personal life, and the values that continue to shape her journey both on and off screen. 

With major projects including The Bluff and the upcoming second season of Citadel, Priyanka continues to redefine the scope of global stardom. 

Speaking about her latest role, she shares: “It was physical and emotional. The Bluff is a hard-hitting drama as well. It’s an action thriller. It felt like a big responsibility, with a heavy part. Personally, as a mother, it’s about how far a woman would go to protect her family. What would you do to protect your children? And that was what really fed me in this part. There’s physicality, but I’ve done action movies before. This was not just about that.” 

Reflecting on her career longevity and creative choices, she adds: “When I got the script I just couldn’t stop reading it. As soon as I was done, I was just like, ‘this is incredible’. I want to be inspired every time I go to a set. Now, after being for 25 years in the industry, I’m in a position where I am able to choose what makes me want to go to work every morning.” 

From winning Miss World at 18 to building a transatlantic career, Priyanka Chopra Jonas remains grounded in her work ethic: “I was thrown into the ground running. I’m the kind of person that if I have a challenge, I will choose to survive and thrive. I have always been competitive, even with myself. Either in the pageant world or the cinema, I wasn’t related to anyone, so there was no one that was going to help me out in this business. I had to learn really quickly and fast.” 

On navigating global success, she notes: “Just because you know you have a certain amount of fame in one country doesn’t mean you should be entitled and expect to be treated a certain way in another country. An audience has to be earned wherever you go in the world. And that’s true for any artist in any medium. I think you really have to work in order to command that kind of respect or love from the people who watch your movies. You can’t just demand it.” 

At the heart of her story is motherhood, which she describes as her greatest achievement: “My whole existence revolves around her, what time she has to go to school… She is the best thing I’ve accomplished in my life and represents the best of Nick and me.” She adds: “My husband is very hands-on and even today – because I had to jump on this interview – he was the one preparing her for silly hair day at school. He did the cutest lopsided pigtails on her. Our baby is like a magnet to us, and we run to her wherever we are in the world.”

Balancing cultures within her family, she explains: “I’m not a diplomat, I’m an actor, but I try to do my best and use my platform to give a good representation of my culture. I love India and I’m very, very Indian in my choice of food and so many other things. However, I need to have an understanding that our family is also partially American.” 

Beyond acting, Priyanka Chopra Jonas continues to shape narratives behind the scenes through her production company and global partnerships. Speaking on her connection to craftsmanship, she says: “I like associating with excellence in everything I do and I’m a big fan of craftsmanship. In the case of Bvlgari, I have a special connection with the brand as I love the people behind it, and so many of their stones come from India. I just love this idea of wearing something that is multicultural, marrying Indian gemstones and Roman craftsmanship,” she reveals.

On a more personal note, she reveals the significance of a treasured piece of jewellery: “When my father started to feel unwell, he was told to wear an emerald to help ease his pain. I lost my dad in 2013 and after that I’ve always worn this same stone every day of my life. It holds a very special significance. I feel my father is close to me.” 

Reflecting on her voice and advocacy, Priyanka Chopra Jonas shares: In one widely circulated clip, she takes to the stage of a forum where she is labelled a feminist, the term delivered as though it were pejorative. And yet, what is it that fuels such unwavering passion for this topic?

“This is around 12 years ago. It was before I started really working in America. That girl was very different, by the way. She was very feisty and, yeah, I would put you in your place almost immediately. I’m different. If you would have asked me that question now, I would probably have given you a little bit of a less angry, and more passionate answer. More level-headed. But I think that my passion for wanting to speak my mind will never go away.”

On translating her advocacy into tangible action, Priyanka Chopra Jonas explains that her approach to feminism today goes beyond words. She champions genuine sisterhood and actively creates opportunities for women by building female-led teams and ensuring greater representation across her projects: “I feel like this is a tangible way I can walk the walk and not just talk about it… I guess in the past, when I was figuring it out, I didn’t have the same tools I have today, so I was just very vocal about it.” 

The full exclusive interview is available now on Vogue Arabia’s website www.voguearabia.com.