Anjula Acharia’s Big Plan: Taking South Asian Artists Global with 5 Junction Records

EXCLUSIVE: Anjula Acharia Talks About Her Plans to Introduce South Asian Artists Abroad with 5 Junction Records and Warner Music Group

Anjula Acharia has become a powerful figure in both business and entertainment in Hollywood. Recently, she was featured on the cover of Billboard magazine. In an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, she shared her journey, her work with Priyanka Chopra, and her plans to bring South Asian artists into the global music scene through her new label, 5 Junction Records, in collaboration with Warner Music.

Shaping Culture and Representation

Anjula Acharia’s passion and drive led her to land on the front cover of Billboard. In her interview, she shared that she is focused on helping shape culture by increasing representation in pop culture.

She spoke about her mission to introduce the world to the next generation of global pop stars through her label, 5 Junction Records. “We’re launching one of our first singles soon, and we’re helping South Asian artists rise in the U.S. music scene,” Anjula said.

Helping Priyanka Chopra Break Into Hollywood

When asked about her work with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Anjula recalled the moment they first met. “When I met Priyanka, I knew right away she was meant to be a global star,” Anjula shared.

She praised Priyanka’s talent, wit, charm, and beauty, which made her a natural fit for superstardom. Even though there were few South Asian faces in Hollywood at the time, Anjula was determined to help Priyanka succeed. “There were many skeptics, but I stayed true to my goal,” she said. “I’m glad it worked out.”

Anjula revealed that the original plan was to launch Priyanka as a music artist. She worked closely with Priyanka’s mentor, Jimmy Iovine, to develop her sound and signed her to a music label. But Priyanka’s true love was acting, and Anjula helped her land a deal with ABC, which led to her starring role in Quantico. “Once America saw her, they fell in love,” Anjula recalled. “Soon, she was on the covers of every major American magazine.”

A Funny Memory From Their First Meeting

Anjula fondly remembered her first meeting with Priyanka. Priyanka was filming a serious movie in a jungle, and they spoke over a satellite phone. “She was so quiet, and I thought I had messed up the meeting,” Anjula laughed. “But later, I found out Priyanka was actually impressed and paying close attention. Sometimes silence speaks louder than words.”

Collaborating with AR Rahman and Rising Punjabi Stars

Anjula also worked with music legend AR Rahman on the Jai Ho remix. She called Rahman a musical genius and believes the West has finally recognized his talent.

Talking about the rise of Punjabi singers like Diljit Dosanjh and Karan Aujla, Anjula said, “Their music is so catchy, even if you don’t understand the language, you can still enjoy the beats. Just like how people connect with popular Spanish music, Punjabi music is starting to have that global appeal.” She expressed excitement about the potential for another global crossover like the collaboration between Jay-Z and Punjabi MC with “Beware of the Boys.”

A Full-Circle Moment

Anjula’s journey has been deeply personal. Growing up in the UK, she faced racism, which inspired her mission to bring more representation of South Asians into pop culture. One of her proudest moments came when she was invited to Buckingham Palace for a Humanitarian Reception by King Charles. “It felt like a full-circle moment for me,” she said, reflecting on how her efforts to bring diversity into entertainment were recognized at such a prestigious event.

Anjula Acharia continues to break barriers and pave the way for South Asian talent in Hollywood and beyond, making a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

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