Today, June 10, 2025, marks the 12th death anniversary of Dr. Ashok Chopra, Priyanka Chopra's father. On this poignant day, the actress took to social media to remember her beloved father, sharing a heartfelt tribute that resonated with her fans and followers.
Priyanka Chopra's father, Dr. Ashok Chopra, a physician in the Indian Army, passed away on June 10, 2013, after a battle with cancer. The actress has always been vocal about the profound impact her father had on her life and career. To commemorate the day, Priyanka shared a touching childhood picture on her Instagram Story. Alongside the image, she wrote, "Miss you every day, dad." The picture captured a precious moment from a family vacation, serving as a poignant reminder of the joyous times they shared.
Priyanka has often spoken about how she coped with the grief of losing her father. She has mentioned that returning to work soon after his passing, specifically to the set of "Mary Kom" just four days after his funeral, was her way of channeling her grief. She poured her emotions into the demanding fight scenes, finding solace in her work.
In a past interview, Priyanka shared some of her earliest memories of her father. She fondly recalled how, as a young child of two or three, she would try to walk between his legs, and he would playfully "clamp" her neck. She also remembered riding on his bike, a cherished memory from her childhood. Priyanka was born in Jamshedpur and has fond memories of visiting her Nanajee there. She remembers her father as a multifaceted individual – a trained artiste, painter, and singer, affectionately known as the "singing surgeon." He used to perform for the army, and Priyanka inherited her love for singing from him. One of her earliest memories is of him singing on stage and looking at her, a gesture that made her feel incredibly special.
Priyanka has also spoken about how her father's illness was a difficult time for her. However, she remained committed to working and not letting the strain show, as that's what her father wanted. She expressed gratitude for being able to afford him the best treatment during his illness.
In an interview, Priyanka recalled how her father was initially hesitant about her participation in Miss India, given their conservative family background. It was her mother who convinced him, framing it as a holiday in Mumbai with little chance of winning.
Over the years, Priyanka has consistently kept her father's memory alive, often sharing anecdotes and pictures on social media. In 2020, she posted a picture of herself as a child wearing his Army uniform, expressing her desire to be just like him. She described him as her "idol" who encouraged her sense of adventure and her urge to do something that hadn't been done before. She also has a tattoo "Daddy's lil girl" on her wrist dedicated to her father.
Priyanka's mother, Madhu Chopra, also remembered her late husband, posting a picture of him with the caption, "Forever and always loved!".
Priyanka's recent Instagram story and past tributes demonstrate the enduring love and respect she holds for her father. Her memories and reflections offer a glimpse into the close bond they shared and the profound impact he had on her life.