Jimmy Iovine, Priyanka Chopra, Troy Carter and Anjula Acharia-Bath

The Bollywood block on Twitter went berserk on Friday over Priyanka Chopra signing a recording deal. Well here go the details about Piggychops’s singing launchpad.

Universal Music Group and Desi Hits! have signed a worldwide recording agreement with Priyanka. As part of this global deal, the actress will release her debut music album in North America with Desi Hits! through Interscope Records and in other international markets on Island Records UK.

Where did this bolt from the blue come from? Well, Priyanka is a trained Western classical singer and has always sung a line or two when on talent shows. She could be heard most often humming Tinka tinka from her own film Karam, sung for the screen by Alisha Chinai.

Priyanka is, in fact, currently in the studio, writing and recording her debut pop album, which will be sung in English. Troy Carter, CEO of Atom Factory, who also manages Lady Gaga (!) has signed Priyanka to manage her music career across the globe.

“It has been a long cherished dream which is finally coming true,” says Priyanka Chopra about her music debut. “I am truly excited to have an opportunity to present my musical dimension on a world platform. I am privileged to be a part of the Universal Music-Desi Hits! family and to be working with some of the most illustrious names in the music industry. This is a fascinating new experience for me and I am thoroughly enjoying the journey.”

Priyanka is also the first major international signing for Desi Hits!, founded by Anjula Acharia-Bath in partnership with Universal Music Group in 2010 as the home for creative artistes with Indian/South Asian roots. “Priyanka is an international superstar who has captivated millions around the world. Her foray into the American music industry meets the vision of our company, which strives to fuse the best of eastern and western cultures to create magic. It’s truly a dream come true, and we are very excited to bring this multi-talented artiste to the rest of the world,” says Acharia-Bath.

Adds Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records: “Pop music has always had a love affair with Indian culture and with Priyanka’s unique talent and experience, we have the opportunities to push the boundaries of popular culture. I feel this is an amazing opportunity for all of us.”

There is also a hint that now Piggychops will give equal importance to her singing career. “Bollywood has had Priyanka to itself for too long,” says David Joseph, chairman and chief executive of Universal Music UK. “She has exceptional talent and we look forward to launching her recording career around the world.”

On twitter

Shah Rukh Khan: Congratulations @priyankachopra for the music thingy you are doing. From being the little girl who became Miss World & made us so proud, go & rule the music world.

Dia Mirza: WOW! @priyankachopra you were a singing sensation even back at our pageant. :) Will never forget the talent round! Way to go!!! Knock ’em out.

Preity Zinta: Congrats love! Am sure u will rock it. :-) Muaah!