Because Priyanka Chopra is famous and female, the inquiries about what she eats and how she works out are constant. Her starring role in Baywatch only fueled the fire, especially since she claimed she didn't exercise or diet for the movie like her castmates did (looking at you, Zac Efron). Incredible and unfair, we know. That's why we had to ask her about her non-diet ourselves while catching up with her as she promoted "Bridging the Gap," a new short film for Gap. Here, she details the craziest thing she's ever eaten, her favorite junk food, and fills us in on her summer beach day essentials.
People love to ask about your workouts and what you eat–does that ever get annoying?
Yes because I don't know how to answer! I don't really have a diet I wing it by the seat of my pants. It's such a girl thing to do, like if I feel 'Ughh, I put on a few pounds 'and I feel gross about [myself] I suddenly start eating salad, protein, and soup. Otherwise, if I am feeling like I am in great shape I am ok with cheeseburgers and pizza. I am someone who wings it last minute. So, when someone asks me about my diet I feel terrible saying that I don't really have one.
Is it true you just ate Doritos while watching the 'Baywatch' guys workout?
Not just the boys–the girls too! I was so lucky I didn't have to be in a swimsuit–of course, my dresses are so tight I cant breathe in them–but you have to be in a certain shape. Of course, the boys especially worked out insane and I remember Zac working on his resistance bands in between takes and I would emotionally eat because I would feel guilt that I am not going to the gym as much, or I am not as focused. It started making me feel terrible so I used to get hungry just looking at them and overcompensate for my guilt.
What were some of your favorite on-set snacks?
Catering service is always my favorite part of a movie set–any set. On Baywatch we had every unhealthy thing you could imagine: fried chicken, Doritos. Whenever I needed a salad, it was a run that someone had to make because on set, they gave us all kinds of soul food which none of the cast ate.
What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?
Mopane worms.
What's the story behind that?
I was in Zimbabwe for a trip with UNICEF. I wanted to go out and have local food and the UNICEF reps from the Zimbabwe team we were working with took me out that night and I ate some amazing food, there was all kinds of stew, but one of the delicacies was Mopane worms. They're fried worms and I just was so shocked when they were on the table and I had to be a good sport, I ate one and chewed it for like a minute and a half and [felt] the crunch of the legs in my mouth. It was crazy and insane, but I did it. It was one of my achievements.
Now, because it's summer, we need to know your beach day necessities. One piece or bikini?
In real life, I prefer bikinis, but at work, I prefer a one piece.
Favorite beach in the world?
One of my bucket list dreams is to travel to every island in the world―there are so many. South of France which I love, like Nice, Monaco, I love the Caribbean, East Island, Malta, Goa in India, where I have a house as well. I need an excuse to find a beach next to me. I am always in Miami, water calls out for me, Turks and Caicos, South Africa, Cape Town.
What's inside your beach bag?
My beach bag is usually really full. Its like my real-life bag as well. I always have a change of a bikini, always have a cover up, always have sunscreen. I keep lip balm because I am usually in the sun like all day if I get an opportunity, my phone, a book, and some speakers.
Makeup on the beach: Do or don't?
I don't feel comfortable with it because you're on a beach and you're going to go into the sand and it's going to be all over your face, but of course if people are just hanging out by the beach and getting pictures taken, it's fine to be in makeup. I think in real life, go fresh faced and a little bit of sunblock and lip balm and a little bit of sunblock on your face and you're good to go.
Best beach shoes?
Just your feet, there is no way you should wear shoes on the beach and that's what makes [my Baywatch character] Victoria so fabulous to me–that she [wears heels on the beach] and they're so absurd, but it just work in the world of Baywatch.
Choice beach food?
I love ice cream on the beach and I am not even someone who likes ice cream that much, but on a beach I don't know why I feel the need for ice cream. Ice cream and margaritas. I discovered this new thing while I was in Miami called Spicy margaritas they're made with jalapeño and they're really amazing by the beach.
