Priyanka Chopra’s Festive ‘Last Christmas’ Draws Mixed Reactions

Post by : Mina Rahman

Before earning global recognition with her role in Quantico (2015), Priyanka Chopra Jonas had already established herself as a singer. Her debut single In My City (2012) featuring will.i.am marked her entry into the global music arena. While the song garnered mixed reviews, her second single Exotic alongside Pitbull achieved significant success, solidifying her reputation as a prominent Indian pop artist. Following her contributions to soundtracks like Mary Kom (2014) and Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Priyanka shifted her focus primarily towards acting and producing.

Nearly a decade later, she returns to music with a new track—a Desi rendition of the classic Last Christmas. Featured in the upcoming film Christmas Karma, the song has rapidly gained traction on social media, albeit not without controversy.

The film boasts a diverse cast, including Kunal Nayyar, Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, and Boy George, and is directed by Gurinder Chadha, known for such hits as Bend It Like Beckham (2002) and Bride and Prejudice (2004). Set for release on November 14, Christmas Karma aims to convey a festive multicultural message. Ahead of its debut, the team released Priyanka’s Last Christmas (Desi Version), which preserves George Michael’s original tune, while infusing Hindi lyrics like “Last Christmas de diya dil.”

While fans celebrated Priyanka’s return to music, the online feedback has been a mix of criticism and disapproval. A viral Reddit thread revealed some users accusing the track of “butchering” a classic, with comments like “George Michael is rolling in his grave.” Another user chimed in, observing: “George Michael crying in his grave.”

Critics also scrutinized the lyrics, questioning, “It’s 2025, for God’s sake! Can we still not craft better Hindi lyrics for adapted English songs?” Another user suggested, “Either sing the entire song in English or stick to Hindi.” Even loyal fans are torn, with some voicing, “I adore PC! Yet, no amount of admiration can persuade me that she should continue singing.”

Despite the backlash, the song has reignited discussions on Bollywood artists’ creative blending of Western influences with Indian music. Supporters lauded Priyanka for her bravery in merging cultures and languages, referring to it as a “bold creative endeavor.”

On the acting front, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is poised for a notable return to Indian cinema, starring in SS Rajamouli’s eagerly awaited Telugu venture alongside superstar Mahesh Babu, tentatively titled SSMB29. This film, anticipated to be an action-packed adventure with universal themes, marks her significant comeback after years of international projects.