Priyanka Chopra Jonas Delivers Desi Reimagining of Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' for 'Christmas Karma'

A Global Star's Musical Return

Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas is making a significant return to the music scene, delivering a familiar holiday classic with an unexpected cultural dimension. The artist has unveiled her unique interpretation of the beloved Wham! hit, “Last Christmas,” seamlessly weaving in Hindi lyrics and traditional Indian musical elements. This distinctive style is known as “Desi,” derived from the Sanskrit *deśī*, which fundamentally translates to "local, native, or belonging to the land."

This reimagined track serves as a pivotal part of the soundtrack for the upcoming film, *Christmas Karma*. The movie itself promises a contemporary take on ancient parables concerning generosity and personal transformation, bringing a fresh perspective to timeless themes of redemption.

Dickensian Tale Meets Modern Bollywood

The film is helmed by director Gurinder Chadha, celebrated for her landmark cinematic achievements such as *Bend It Like Beckham* and *Blinded by the Light*. Chadha’s vision transports the spirit of Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol,” into the 21st century, creating a powerful musical and narrative bridge that connects diverse cultures, faiths, and generations.

Taking on the lead role is Kunal Nayyar, widely recognized for his work on the series *The Big Bang Theory*. Nayyar embodies a modern-day Scrooge: a successful, yet emotionally distant, businessman of Indian descent. The stellar ensemble cast supporting him includes Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, Hugh Bonneville, and Danny Dyer.

Audiences in the UK, Ireland, and the USA can anticipate the premiere of *Christmas Karma* on November 14, 2025. Following the Western release, the film is scheduled to debut in India on December 12, 2025.

A Multicultural Score

The film’s soundtrack is an eclectic journey through Britain’s vibrant multicultural soundscape. It masterfully blends genres such as gospel, bhangra, rap, classic pop, and traditional Christmas carols. The intricate musical arrangements were crafted by a talented team featuring Gary Barlow, Nitin Sawhney, and Shaznay Lewis. Together, they developed a score where traditional Indian rhythms harmonize beautifully with Western melodic structures.

For Priyanka Chopra Jonas, this project represents more than just a musical endeavor; it is an act of cultural gratitude. She views the song as an homage—not only to George Michael but also to the diaspora community and the overarching concept of unity achieved through artistic expression.

Reflecting on the power of music, Priyanka shared her personal philosophy: “Music can be a prayer. Even the most familiar song can find a new heart if it is filtered through one’s own culture and love.”

The new version of “Last Christmas” has sparked considerable discussion. While some enthusiastically welcome Priyanka’s bold return to singing, others approach the reinterpretation of the iconic original with caution. However, within the narrative context of the film, the song functions as a plea for internal awakening. The melody, originally about loss and forgiveness, transforms into an anthem of empathy, illustrating a point where the East and West converge not in conflict, but in perfect harmony.

Ultimately, *Christmas Karma* transcends typical holiday cinema. It serves as an invitation to witness how traditions resonate in unison and how every culture contributes its unique hue to the collective melody of humanity. Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s song stands as the heart of this message—a subtle, luminous reminder that forgiveness and kindness are universal frequencies upon which the soul of the world truly vibrates.