Pamela Chopra, singer, writer and late filmmaker Yash Chopra’s wife, died on Thursday in Mumbai. She breathed her last at a suburban hospital where she was admitted after being diagnosed with pneumonia. She is survived by her sons, filmmaker Aditya Chopra and actor Uday Chopra.

In a statement released yesterday, the family said, “With heavy hearts, the Chopra family would like to inform that Pamela Chopra, 74, passed away this morning. Her cremation took place at 11 am today in Mumbai. We are grateful for your prayers and the family would like to request for privacy in this moment of deep sadness and reflection.”

While some members of the industry took to social media to offer condolences, others, including Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Karan Johar, Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal, among others were seen visiting the Chopra residence.

Pamela Chopra married Yash Chopra in 1970 and remained an important and strong influence throughout his career. She sang many songs for his films, including Surkh Jode Ki Jagmagahat in Kabhi Kabhie, Khud Se Jo Vada Kiya Tha in Silsila and Ghar Aaja Pardesi in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge. She wrote the story of Kabhi Kabhie (1976), which was directed by her husband and featured Amitabh Bachchan, Raakhee, Shashi Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor. She also co-wrote the screenplay of Dil To Pagal Hai.

Besides singing and writing, she was involved in her family’s production banner as a costume designer, producer and associate producer. She recently featured in The Romantics, a docu-series celebrating the movies and legacy of Yash Chopra, who passed away in October 2012.

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Pamela Chopra, film writer, producer and singer, passed away on Thursday at the age of 74 in Mumbai. She was the wife of late filmmaker Yash Chopra, mother of filmmaker Aditya Chopra and actor Uday Chopra, and mother-in-law to actor Rani Mukerji.

The family announced the news on social media, expressing their grief and requesting privacy in this difficult time. “With heavy hearts, the Chopra family would like to inform you that Pamela Chopra, 74, passed away this morning. Her cremation took place at 11 am today (April 20),” the statement read. 

Reportedly, Pamela had been admitted to a hospital in Mumbai 15 days ago and was put on a ventilator when her health deteriorated. Her passing has left the film industry in mourning, with actor Ajay Devgn and lyricist Javed Akhtar expressing their condolences.

Pamela played an integral part in Yash’s movies and was a driving force behind many of his iconic works. As per the docu-series The Romantics, her last appearance on camera, Pamela had written the script for the classic Kabhi Kabhie (1976), styled the cast of Silsila (1981) and co-wrote the 1997 hit Dil To Pagal Hai. Besides this, she also played a prominent role in the music of his films.