Pamela Chopra, the wife of late Bollywood filmmaker Yash Chopra, has passed away. The news was confirmed by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar on Thursday. Pamela had been admitted to a Mumbai hospital for almost two weeks, and her health deteriorated despite being put on a ventilator. She is survived by her sons Aditya and Uday Chopra.
Pamela Chopra, the wife of the legendary Indian filmmaker Yash Chopra, passed away on Thursday, leaving the Indian film industry in mourning. She was an accomplished film producer and director in her own right, and made significant contributions to her late husband’s films.
Born in 1940 in Lahore, Pakistan, Pamela was the daughter of a merchant navy officer. She married Yash Chopra in 1970, and the couple had two sons, Aditya and Uday. Pamela played a vital role in her husband’s career, from contributing to his scripts and music to helping him with casting decisions.
One of the most significant contributions Pamela made to her husband’s films was her work as a costume designer. She designed costumes for several of Yash Chopra’s films, including Chandni, Lamhe, and Dil To Pagal Hai. Her elegant and timeless designs contributed to the visual appeal of these films, and many of her outfits became iconic in Indian cinema.
After Yash Chopra’s death in 2012, Pamela took on the role of a film producer and director. She produced the 2014 film, “Daawat-e-Ishq,” which starred Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapur. The film received mixed reviews but was praised for its music and performances.
In 2023, Pamela made a cameo appearance in the Netflix series “The Romantics,” in which she played herself. Her brief appearance was a reminder of her enduring presence in the Indian film industry.
Pamela Chopra was known for her elegance, grace, and warmth, and she was beloved by many in the Indian film industry. She was known to be a great host and often threw lavish parties for her husband’s friends and colleagues.
Javed Akhtar, the veteran lyricist, paid tribute to Pamela Chopra on Twitter, saying, “She was a great lady. Intelligent, educated, warm, and witty. Those who like me have worked closely with Yash ji know about her contribution in his scripts and music. She was an exceptional person.”
Pamela, who was fondly known as Pam among her industry friends, recently appeared in the 2023 Netflix series The Romantics. Javed Akhtar, who worked closely with Yash Chopra, praised Pamela for her intelligence, education, warmth, and wit, and acknowledged her contribution to her late husband’s scripts and music.
Since Yash Chopra’s death in 2012, Pamela had been collecting several awards in his honor. The acclaimed filmmaker died of multi-organ failure a week after he was admitted to the Lilavati hospital with dengue. He was known for changing the face of romance in Hindi cinema and had directed several hit films including Kabhie Kabhie, Silsila, Chandni, and Dil to Pagal Hai.
Their son Aditya Chopra is a successful director and producer, while their younger son Uday had tried his hand at acting and is now a producer. Details about Pamela’s funeral are yet to be announced.
As the news of Pamela’s death spread, several industry colleagues and fans paid tribute to the late Yash Chopra’s wife on social media. Many expressed their condolences and shared memories of Pamela, who was known for her grace and warmth. Pamela Chopra’s death has left a void in the Indian film industry, but her contributions to Indian cinema will never be forgotten. Her elegant costumes, her warm personality, and her unwavering support for her husband’s work will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and film lovers.
