NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
New York, June 20, 2024 – SONA, the upscale Indian restaurant co-founded by Hollywood star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, has announced its closure just three years after opening in the heart of New York City’s Flatiron District. The restaurant was known for its upscale ambiance and exquisite Indian cuisine.
Priyanka Chopra and her business partner, Maneesh K. Goyal, launched SONA in 2021, with Chopra playing a pivotal role in conceptualizing the restaurant’s haute cuisine and cultural ambiance.
Despite the initial success and glowing reviews, the partnership between Chopra and Goyal ended abruptly in 2023, with Chopra stepping away from the business. Official statements from both parties had portrayed an amicable split. Chopra’s representative had stated, “Bringing SONA to life will invariably be a proud and significant moment in her career… Stepping away from SONA allows her to broaden these ambitions on a more global scale”.
However, rumors and speculations have persisted regarding the real reasons behind Chopra’s departure. Industry insiders suggest there may have been underlying disagreements or operational challenges that prompted the exit. Despite these rumors, both Chopra and Goyal have expressed mutual respect and gratitude for their collaboration. Goyal remarked, “Working with her had been a dream come true… we are excited for our respective new chapters ahead”.
