A road in Mumbai is, as of, named after the father of actor Priyanka Chopra.
The Lt Col Ashok Chopra Marg in Andheri leads to the apartment building in which the Bollywood star lives. It was inaugurated by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. Ms Chopra, 31, flew back to the country from a shoot abroad for the occasion.
Her father, who was a doctor with the army, died of cancer exactly a year ago, at the age of 64. Her wrist has a tattoo that describes her as “Daddy’s Li’l Girl.”
“Many people ask is this road being named after Dr Ashok Chopra because he is Priyanka Chopra’s father. No. I am here because I am Dr Ashok Chopra’s daughter,” said the actor. Refuting criticism that the honour for her father is built on her superstar status, she said, “My father worked tirelessly and quietly with many communities.”
Mr. Thackeray added, “When I first got the invite I thought you are inviting me just because he is Priyanka Chopra’s father. But then I was surprised when I came to know the amount of work he has done.”
The mother of Captain Vikram Batra, who died at the age of 24 in the Kargil war, said no road in the country has been named for her brave son. “My son was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor. History shall never forget him. But today, when people want to name roads, nobody thinks of him. This is India’s tragedy. An actor’s father is being remembered instead of a martyr,” said Kamal Kant Batra.
An official with the city’s municipal corporation said, “Priyanka Chopra’s family and her residential society members approached the local councilor to have the road named for her father.” He said the required clearances were given by the corporation which is controlled by Mr Thackeray’s party.
