Priyanka Chopra Jonas, one of Bollywood’s most iconic and versatile stars, has returned to the music scene after a long hiatus with the release of the desi version of the globally beloved song “Last Christmas.” The track forms part of the soundtrack for Gurinder Chadha’s upcoming film Christmas Karma, which also features Kunal Nayyar, Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, and Boy George. While Priyanka’s fans were excited to hear her sing again, the release has sparked significant debate on social media, with reactions ranging from enthusiastic support to sharp criticism.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas began her music career while still actively working in Bollywood. Her first single, In My City, released in 2012, featured the American rapper will.i.am and showcased her ambition to expand her artistic footprint beyond acting. The song received mixed reviews, with some praising her for venturing into a new creative field, while others questioned her singing abilities. Despite the mixed reception, Priyanka continued her musical journey and released her second single, Exotic, in 2013, featuring global pop icon Pitbull. Exotic became a commercial success, reaching charts internationally and cementing Priyanka’s identity as a singer in addition to her acting career.

Beyond her singles, Priyanka also lent her voice to songs in her films, notably Mary Kom (2014) and Dil Dhadakne Do(2015). These contributions were well-received and demonstrated her ability to seamlessly integrate her singing into cinematic storytelling. However, after 2015, Priyanka gradually shifted her focus toward Hollywood, particularly following her starring role in the popular TV series Quantico. This marked a period in which she concentrated on building her international acting career, leaving her musical endeavors on hold.

After nearly a decade-long hiatus, Priyanka has now made a notable comeback with a desi rendition of George Michael’s iconic Christmas song, Last Christmas. The track features the same melody as the original but is adapted with Hindi lyrics, such as “Last Christmas de diya dil,” giving the song a distinct Indian flavor. The song’s release ahead of Christmas Karma, which is slated to hit theaters on November 14, 2025, has generated considerable anticipation. Gurinder Chadha, the film’s director, is known for her successful cross-cultural projects, including Bend It Like Beckham(2002) and Bride and Prejudice (2004), which skillfully blend Western and Indian cultural elements. Christmas Karmacontinues this tradition, and Priyanka’s track plays a central role in the film’s musical promotion.

While fans have eagerly awaited Priyanka’s return to singing, the reception of the desi version of Last Christmas has been polarizing. Social media platforms, especially Reddit, have seen heated discussions about the track. Critics argue that translating such a universally beloved song into Hindi diminishes its original charm and emotional resonance. Comments from netizens indicate that many feel the adaptation does not live up to the iconic status of George Michael’s original. One user wrote, “Butchering one of the most iconic Christmas songs ever. George Michael is rolling in his grave,” reflecting the sentiment that the essence of the original song is lost in translation. Others echoed this view, with remarks such as “George Michael crying in his grave,” emphasizing the strong attachment people feel toward the original track.

Several commenters also raised concerns about the quality of the translation itself, highlighting a perceived lack of lyrical finesse. One user observed, “It’s 2025, for God’s sake! Can we still not write better translated lyrics for copied English songs?” This critique underscores the difficulty of adapting international hits in a way that resonates authentically with Indian audiences while preserving the original’s sentiment. Another user suggested an all-or-nothing approach: “Either sing the whole song in English or fully embrace Hindi. Mixing the two doesn’t work,” pointing out the challenge of striking a balance between linguistic adaptation and artistic integrity.

Despite these criticisms, Priyanka’s loyal fan base remains supportive. Many fans continue to express admiration for her willingness to explore music alongside her acting career. One fan commented, “I love Priyanka, but no amount of love can change my mind that she needs to stop singing,” capturing the tension between affection for the star and skepticism regarding her musical output. Others simply voiced their disbelief, stating, “I love Priyanka, but no no no no no,” reflecting the mixed emotions elicited by the track.

The response to Priyanka’s musical comeback highlights the broader challenges faced by actors transitioning into other creative fields, especially in an era of instant social media feedback. Musical ventures by film stars are often met with scrutiny, as audiences hold expectations that stem both from the celebrity’s acting reputation and the legacy of the original material being adapted. In this case, the challenge was particularly pronounced given the iconic status of George Michael’s Last Christmas, a song that has become a staple of global holiday culture.

Priyanka’s decision to take on this project, however, reflects her continued ambition to diversify her creative portfolio. While her acting career has taken her from Bollywood to Hollywood, she has not abandoned her roots or her willingness to experiment with different forms of expression. The desi version of Last Christmas can be seen as an effort to bridge cultures, combining a Western classic with a distinctly Indian musical sensibility, a concept that aligns with Gurinder Chadha’s vision for Christmas Karma.

Looking ahead, Priyanka is poised to make a significant return to Indian cinema. She is set to star in SSMB29, an upcoming Telugu-language film directed by SS Rajamouli and featuring superstar Mahesh Babu. This project has generated immense excitement among fans and industry observers, as it marks Priyanka’s reentry into the Indian film industry in a high-profile collaboration. Her involvement in such a major project, coupled with her musical comeback, suggests a multifaceted strategy to balance both acting and singing while appealing to a diverse audience base.

In conclusion, Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ release of the desi version of Last Christmas represents both a return to her musical roots and a bold experiment in cross-cultural adaptation. While reactions have been mixed, the track has reignited conversations about her versatility as an artist and the challenges of reinterpreting iconic songs for new audiences. As the film Christmas Karma prepares for its release on November 14, audiences will have the opportunity to experience Priyanka’s voice in the context of a cinematic narrative, which may provide a fuller understanding of the artistic choices behind this adaptation. Regardless of the polarized responses, Priyanka’s willingness to explore new creative avenues continues to define her career, reinforcing her status as one of India’s most dynamic and internationally recognized performers.

With both Christmas Karma and SSMB29 on the horizon, it is clear that Priyanka Chopra Jonas is far from slowing down. Her musical comeback, controversial as it may be, adds another dimension to a career that has consistently defied expectations and pushed boundaries, reaffirming her position as a trailblazer in the global entertainment industry.

---