Bollywood star crosses over to network TV

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The new show 'Quantico' just premiered right before Eyewitness News at 10pm. The star of the show is the first Bollywood star to cross over to a network TV show.

Houston's big Bollywood fan base could not be more excited.

"I'm so blessed to wake up every morning and say yes I'm going to work," said actress Priyanka Chopra.

Chopra has been going to work for more than a decade. The 33-year-old former Miss World has starred in 40 Bollywood movies -- acting, singing, dancing -- all while flashing her signature pout and just enough skin.

"Besides Beyonce, I'm a Destiny's Child," she said. "They call me Queen Pri, my fans. It's actually really funny."

Here in Beyonce's home city, Bollywood is big and getting bigger.

"I just love that Bollywood has become a big part of the mainstream and stars like Priyanka Chopra are such a part of American pop culture now and you see Bollywood on Dancing with the Stars," said dancer Monica Sane with PLO Quantico Houston.

For the first time, Bollywood enthusiasts get to see one of their stars, starring in a network TV show.

"I was of course absolutely thrilled because can you imagine like, 'mainstream' and that's what the reaction has been, 'oh wow!'" said Society journalist Ruchi Mukherjee. "They are all coming and buying these kinds of tunics and the Indian skirts."

Houston's many south Asian boutiques are hoping to make big money off Chopra's new fame.

"I think there will be a lot of search going on that what Bollywood is. I'm very proud of her, of how she's put Bollywood and Indians in the forefront, I think -- so, that's what I like," said Mukherjee.

For these Bollywood fans, Chopra's success -- is their own success.

"I love that my own children have so many other opportunities to appreciate Bollywood that I didn't have when I was younger," said Sane.

"Just the fact that she's gotten into the industry, her music, her acting, she's been offered this show. It's awesome," said Mukherjee.

"For me, that's what just keeps me going .I want to achieve whatever I can and I want to leave a legacy behind in life," said Chopra.

It's a legacy from one side of the world to the other.

If you want to learn more about the Bollywood classes, CLICK HERE.

They offer classes at the West U Rec Center as well.