Moana 2 Director Praises Aishwarya Rai & Priyanka Chopra

Norman Joseph, the General Technical Director for Disney’s Moana 2, has applauded Indian icons Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas for their remarkable contributions to Hollywood. In an exclusive conversation with Times of India, Joseph reflected on the impact of Indian talent in global cinema and emphasized the importance of artists continuing to transcend cultural boundaries.

“Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra have not only opened doors for Indian talent but have also bridged gaps between cultures. Their global success has shown that Indian artists can make a significant mark internationally. We should continue going global and making an impact. It’s helping everybody,” Joseph said.

Having carved his own inspiring journey from Mumbai’s Bollywood to Hollywood’s animation industry, Joseph brings a unique perspective on the importance of inclusivity and representation. He credited his early experiences in Indian television, including a stint on Doordarshan’s PT Sagar, as formative in his career. However, it was his transition from acting to animation after pursuing computer graphics that propelled him into Hollywood, where he worked on acclaimed films like Big Hero 6 before taking on Moana.

Joseph’s role in Moana 2 involved working closely with the lighting department to advance workflows and technology, shaping the sequel into a visually stunning experience. Reflecting on his decade-long journey in the animation industry, he remarked, “Animation is a collaborative medium. It’s all about a community coming together to create something beautiful and impactful.”

While Joseph acknowledges the contributions of behind-the-scenes talents, he also praised Indian actors like Aishwarya and Priyanka for bringing Indian representation to the forefront of Hollywood. “If an artist from India makes an impact on content or a movie in America, it’s a win for everyone,” he noted.

Moana 2, which features Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Nicole Scherzinger, and newcomers like Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, sails into theatres worldwide today, November 29. The sequel continues Disney’s tradition of culturally rich storytelling, and Joseph’s work on the film underscores the power of cross-cultural collaboration.

As Indian talent continues to flourish globally, Joseph’s words resonate as a call for continued efforts to break barriers and create meaningful, inclusive stories that captivate audiences worldwide.

(This article is based on an exclusive interview with Times of India.)