Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas is making a musical comeback with a reimagined version of the globally beloved holiday classic Last Christmas. Known for her versatility as an actor, producer, and philanthropist, Priyanka is now adding another dimension to her creative repertoire by lending her voice to a festive anthem with a distinctly Indian flavor. Her “Desi Version” of the Wham! classic has been produced as part of the soundtrack for the upcoming family musical Christmas Karma, directed by acclaimed British filmmaker Gurinder Chadha.

The film, Christmas Karma, is slated for a November 14 release in cinemas across the UK, Ireland, and the US, while Indian audiences will get to see the film on December 12. Priyanka’s rendition of Last Christmas combines the familiar melodic charm of George Michael’s original with traditional Indian sounds and rhythms, creating a unique cross-cultural musical experience. The track is intended to evoke the joyous spirit of Christmas while simultaneously providing an Indian touch to a song that has long been an integral part of holiday celebrations around the world.

The soundtrack of Christmas Karma has been designed as a celebration of the UK’s multicultural and vibrant music scene, bringing together an eclectic mix of international talent. In addition to Priyanka Chopra, the album features contributions from celebrated global artists such as Gary Barlow, Billy Porter, Nitin Sawhney, Shaznay Lewis, Pixie Lott, and Boy George. The full album is set to release alongside the film, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the festive season through a fusion of Western classics and South Asian musical traditions.

Speaking about her involvement in the project, Priyanka Chopra Jonas expressed her delight and enthusiasm, stating, “Gurinder Chadha is a dear friend and I am so happy to support her in my little way in Christmas Karma. I hope this desi twist to a song that has long been the soundtrack of Christmas for so many of us, resonates with audiences.” Her comments underline not only the professional camaraderie between her and the director but also her personal commitment to bringing fresh perspectives to music and cinema.

For her part, Gurinder Chadha shared her excitement about reinterpreting one of the most iconic songs in pop history. She remarked, “I am the biggest George Michael fan, and frankly who isn’t, so I am very grateful to his estate for allowing us to put our own unique twist on his classic Christmas song. George loved Bend It Like Beckham and invited me for tea after he saw it. I hope he will enjoy this track in heaven and all his fans around the world will sing along to the catchy Hindi vibe!” Chadha’s statement reflects both her reverence for the original song and her confidence in the cross-cultural reinterpretation. It is clear that the director’s intention was to honor George Michael’s legacy while offering audiences something fresh and culturally resonant.

Priyanka Chopra’s musical journey has been a long and varied one. Her first foray into international music came in 2012 with the single In My City, featuring American rapper Will.i.am. This track showcased Priyanka’s ability to bridge Indian and Western pop sensibilities, though it received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. Undeterred, she followed up in 2013 with Exotic, featuring Pitbull, which became a global chart success and further established her identity as a singer capable of delivering chart-topping international music.

However, Priyanka’s singing career began long before her global music ventures. She first lent her voice to the Tamil film Tamizhan in 2002, singing the track Ullathai Killathe. Over the years, she has contributed her vocals to a range of Bollywood projects, including songs such as Saajan Saajan from Barsaat, Chaoro from Mary Kom, and tracks from the ensemble film Dil Dhadakne Do. These projects highlighted her versatility as a performer, as she seamlessly integrated singing with her acting career.

For Priyanka, music has always held a deeply personal significance. It represents a way to honor her late father, Dr. Ashok Chopra, and fulfill a dream he held for her. Reflecting on her early international singles, she once said, “This was my dad’s dream. My parents were very emotional when they heard my song. My father is an incredible singer, and I’m happy I could fulfill his dream.” Her musical endeavors, therefore, have not only been professional milestones but also personal expressions of love and homage to her family.

The release of Priyanka’s desi rendition of Last Christmas marks an important moment in her career, coming after a period during which she primarily focused on acting, particularly in Hollywood projects. Her international television debut with Quantico in 2015 propelled her to global recognition, but her musical pursuits had largely taken a backseat during this time. Now, with Christmas Karma, she returns to music in a way that merges her global appeal with her Indian heritage, creating a song that is festive, culturally rich, and widely accessible.

The project also illustrates the increasing trend of cross-cultural collaborations in music and film. By combining George Michael’s classic with Hindi lyrics and traditional Indian instrumentation, the song becomes a bridge between Western and South Asian audiences. It caters not only to fans of the original track but also to a new generation of listeners who enjoy music that fuses multiple cultural influences. In doing so, Priyanka Chopra’s Last Christmas (Desi Version) serves as an example of how artists can honor global musical legacies while contributing their own creative voice.

The timing of the release is particularly significant, coinciding with the global holiday season. The festive spirit of Christmas, combined with Priyanka’s star power and the film’s family-oriented narrative, positions the song to become a seasonal favorite. Moreover, the collaboration with Gurinder Chadha, who is renowned for films that blend South Asian and Western cultural elements, ensures that the track aligns with the themes of inclusivity, celebration, and cross-cultural storytelling that Christmas Karma embodies.

In summary, Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ return to music with the desi version of Last Christmas is a noteworthy moment in her multifaceted career. The song combines her personal musical roots, international experience, and cultural sensibilities, offering audiences a unique festive experience. With the Christmas Karma soundtrack featuring other international talents and the film set for a global release, the project exemplifies how music and cinema can intersect to celebrate diversity, creativity, and the joy of the holiday season.

As the countdown begins to the film’s release on November 14 in the UK and December 12 in India, anticipation is high for both the song and the broader soundtrack. Priyanka Chopra’s rendition of Last Christmas not only reintroduces her musical talents to the world but also demonstrates her commitment to innovative artistic expression. Through this cross-cultural reinterpretation, she continues to cement her status as a global entertainer who bridges continents, art forms, and audiences with grace and creativity.