Cancerians have a steely determination about them. I know I do, (I celebrate my birthday just two days after the lady in question), but more about me another time!

Priyanka Chopra is a prime example, or more like a walking, talking thesis, on how to become a global phenomenon and that too from very humble beginnings. From her modest Jamshedpur roots to globe-trotting icon, PC, as she’s often called, has come quite the distance.

As she celebrates her birthday today (18 July), we give you five pretty darned good reasons why she’s our all-time favourite icon and pin up gal:

In a sea of wannabes and PYTs PC can actually ACT:

Be it the firebrand Sweety in Kaminey, the autistic Jhilmil in Barfi, the jilted Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani, the spirited boxer in Mary Kom, the model turned super bitch who loses her way in Fashion or the ferocious man eater in Aitraaz, Chopra has literally done it ALL. And yet… She’s still going strong, pushing boundaries wherever she can.

She's gone global:

Where many before her failed, she’s made it Stateside with her hit series Quantico which is now in its second season – no mean feat when you consider how difficult American TV audiences are to win over.

She hasn’t just restricted herself to acting:

Versatility, they name is Priyanka. As a performer she’s also stretched her vocals and worked with some of the biggest names in music… and surprisingly, both the singles and her voice are actually decent. Besides, you know you’ve made it when you’re played in gay clubs in Europe! ;-)

She supports fantastic causes and is the perfect advocate for feminism the world over:

PC’s known to support one worthy cause after another making you wonder where she gets the time for it all hopping from continent to continent! She’s the perfect role model for girls and women the world over, living by her own rules – a refreshing change in an industry where once only the leading men were known to call the shots.  

Even after 16 years in the industry, PC has style, swag and sass appeal to boot, and she just keeps looking better and better:

Her fashion choices are out of the box and often make bold statements and whether its eastern or western attire or a fusion of both, PC almost always stops traffic!

So join us in wishing PC who turns another year older today, a joyous birthday and here's hoping she continues smiling and rocking across the world over for years to come and S-L-A-Ying in the same manner she always does. Happy birthday PC!