Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; May 13, 2017)

To mark the first death anniversary of her father, Ashok Chopra, on June 13, 2014, Priyanka Chopra had a road in Versova named after him. The Lt Col Ashok Chopra Marg leads to Raj Classic, where she owns several flats. The road had been inaugurated by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.

But we have observed that the plaque has been tampered with — Thackeray’s name is hidden under a neatly cut tape. So is the name of senior Sena leader Yashwant Jadhav.

Ahead of the inauguration, the road had been cleared and redone overnight. In fact, many had questioned a road being named after the star dad, an Army doctor who died of cancer, at the age of 64. Priyanka's family and her residential society members had approached local civic authorities to have the road named after Chopra Sr. PeeCee had invited Thackeray to do the honours.

But clearly, someone wants to conceal his name.

Garima Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; June 12, 2014)

Actress and a multi-faceted achiever to the world at large, Priyanka Chopra was every bit her daddy's little girl when she attended the inauguration of the Lt Col Ashok Chopra Marg in Andheri, named in her father's honour. Dr Chopra lost his battle with cancer a year ago and despite the immensity of her loss, she resumed work with a vengeance soon after. PC still refuses to grieve, but is proud of how her father, his philanthropic work and his achievements are being celebrated by those whose lives he touched.

“At his chautha, they came for him, not me. We just couldn't stop meeting people," she says. Her mother, Dr Madhu Chopra adds, “The decision to name the road was taken unanimously by the society and he got a great recommendation from the Army because of his work and the funds he raised for the war widows. Even from the film industry, technicians, lightmen and junior artistes from various associations supported the decision."

Priyanka decided to take a two-day break from the shoot of Dil Dhadakne Do when it was decided that the inauguration would coincide with Dr Chopra's first death anniversary (June 10). “People sometimes ask me whether this happened because of Priyanka Chopra. I tell them I'm here because I'm his daughter. My father was a sensitive man, who helped everyone out of the goodness of his heart not because he considered it philanthropy," she says.

In fact, her earliest memories are of him raising funds for the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA). “He'd do fundraisers for AWWA, singing Rafi and Kishore Kumar songs on stage and playing Punjabi Tambola. In Bareilly, every week we'd go in an ambulance to nearby villages and offer medical help. I was the compounder, in charge of handing out the medicine. I took my job very seriously," PC reminisces.

The pinch of her father's absence is obvious in her words, but the actress insists firmly , “I don't want to come to terms with the loss. Perhaps I've not dealt with it... I have a divine relationship with my father. You'll never see me grieving. I was told this by someone who'd lost a parent, `Your parents only leave you when you are ready to take the baton from them'. My dad went through a lot for my brother and me and left us at a place where we could look after each other."

While PC's put up a brave front, her mother has noticed a change in her daughter. As a parent, she feels that talking about her father would be cathartic for Priyanka, who has become the support system for the entire family . Says Madhu, “She's not given me a minute to think about my loss and has spoilt me silly in this one year. I had a textbook perfect marriage, so I had to take measures to get over the loss. But, Priyanka, she goes about caring for everybody like she always has. She has created a wall around her but her bindaas hasee is missing. I'm proud of her.“

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 9, 2014)

Priyanka Chopra who was shooting Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do aboard a cruise liner sailing through Europe, has left the star-studded ship to return to Mumbai. The actress quietly landed in Mumbai around 5.30 am on Sunday. The reason for her arrival is a road in Andheri which will be named after her late father Dr. Ashok Chopra, on June 10, to mark his first death anniversary.

The inauguration of the road which will be called road which will be called Lieutenant Colonel Ashok Chopra Marg will be followed by a memorial which will be attended by friends and relatives.

When Priyanka expressed her desire to be there for her father's first death anniversary, her director Zoya and the film's producer Ritesh Siddhwani quickly agreed to a short leave. The actress will join the film's unit in the next four-five days.

When contacted, Priyanka said, “It's a surprise and a huge honour. My family and I are overwhelmed.
There was no way I would miss this for anything in the world. My father was always very grateful for what he had and spent a lot of time and energy in helping those less fortunate. We are so proud that he is being recognised for his efforts. My dad loved Mumbai and now there will always be a part of him here." Dr Chopra served in the Indian Army for 27 years and also served as Head of Surgery at an Army hospital in Leh.

The actress was distraught when her father was first diagnosed with cancer in 2005. Priyanka has often paid him tributes in interviews and proudly flaunts a Daddy's Li'l Girl tattoo on her arm, a description which is also part of her.
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MID-DAY (June 9, 2014)

On June 10, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will inaugurate a street in Yari Road, Andheri, that will be named after Priyanka Chopra’s father, the late Dr Ashok Chopra.

The politician will take time out from his busy schedule to attend the inaugural function, which will honour the late doctor and the work he has been credited with over the years.

Says Priyanka Chopra’s spokesperson, “Uddhav Thackeray will inaugurate a road named after the late Dr Ashok Chopra. He will be doing so in the presence of Mrs Madhu Chopra, Priyanka Chopra and her brother Siddharth Chopra. It is a big moment for the family.” A source points out that PeeCee, who was in Barcelona shooting for Zoya Akhtar’s upcoming film, Dil Dhadakne Do, reached Mumbai on Sunday morning. “Other than the inauguration, the actress will also attend a few other events here. She also has an ad shoot lined up,” says the source.