Priyanka Chopra's mother, Madhu Chopra, recently recounted a disturbing period in the actress's teenage years when she faced stalking and unwanted attention after returning to India from the United States. In an interview with Lehren Retro, Madhu Chopra shared details of how the family took protective measures after Priyanka experienced harassment in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.

According to Madhu, Priyanka, who had spent several years in the US, returned to Bareilly with a changed sense of style and mannerisms that unfortunately drew "unwanted attention" from local boys. This attention escalated to the point where boys would follow her car, making the family feel unsafe. The situation took a more alarming turn when a stranger attempted to break into their home.

In response to these incidents, Madhu and her husband, Ashok Chopra, took immediate action to ensure Priyanka's safety. They installed iron bars around their home, essentially turning it into a fortress. "The next day the entire house was closed off with big bars, from the boundary wall to the terrace. Leave boys, even monkeys could not enter," Madhu Chopra said.

Following the break-in attempt and the persistent stalking, Priyanka's father had a conversation with her that led to a significant change in her dressing style. The specifics of the conversation remain unknown to Madhu, but the next day, Priyanka decided to drastically alter her wardrobe. "The next day, she came back from school and said she wanted to go shopping. I took her and she selected such dull and drab clothes… all salwar kurtas. She selected colours like off white, brown, beige to look dull. After that, she did not put on western clothes in Bareilly," Madhu Chopra recounted.

This decision to forgo western clothing in favor of more traditional Indian attire was a direct response to the harassment she faced. Priyanka, who had previously enjoyed wearing western outfits, made a conscious choice to dress in a way that would attract less attention and ensure her safety in the socio-cultural environment of Bareilly.

Madhu Chopra also revealed that the family considered moving to a bigger city like Delhi, where Priyanka might be less of a target. However, before they could make the move, they considered admitting her to an army school so she could move with them.

Priyanka Chopra's experience highlights the challenges faced by many young women in India, where safety concerns can significantly impact personal choices and freedoms. Her parents' protective measures underscore the lengths to which families go to safeguard their daughters in environments where they may be vulnerable to harassment and stalking.

Today, Priyanka Chopra is a global icon who has spoken openly about the societal pressures and sexism she faced growing up. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of creating safe and respectful environments for women and girls, where they can express themselves without fear of harassment or violence.