Priyanka Chopra became famous after winning a prestigious beauty pageant and then moved to Mumbai to start her film career. Her mother, Dr. Madhu Chopra, went with her to support her, but her younger brother, Siddharth, stayed with their grandparents.
The actress has shared that Siddharth often felt overshadowed by her success. She regrets not being around much during his childhood but loves and supports him deeply. Unlike Priyanka, Siddharth chose a career in hospitality and business, staying away from the film industry. Despite their different paths, they share a close bond.
In a recent chat with Lehren Retro, Madhu Chopra talked about Siddharth’s childhood and how he grew up in Priyanka’s shadow. She admitted that at times she felt this way, but he turned out just right.
Madhu described Siddharth as an independent and free-thinking person with a very different personality. She explained that, unlike Priyanka, he grew up without much family influence, as he was raised by both his grandmothers.
Madhu shared that Siddharth was a “very responsible child” but admitted that during his teenage years, he didn’t have much influence from his parents. Instead, he was primarily raised by his grandmothers and had a very pampered life.
She recalled that Priyanka would often take Siddharth along to her shoots or events. Speaking about being overshadowed, Madhu said it wasn’t just Siddharth, everyone in the family was. She compared Priyanka to a big banyan tree, saying, “Even a blade of grass won’t grow behind it.”
Recently, Siddharth got married to Neelam Upadhyaya, and Priyanka attended the wedding.
Further, in the same conversation, Madhu recalled when Priyanka moved to the US at the age of 13 to study. She mentioned that her sister had convinced her that education in the US was better, but later, Madhu felt that wasn’t true. She believed that India had a stronger education system, though the US provided a better environment for overall development.
Madhu’s sister, who was living in the US, became Priyanka’s guardian while she studied there.
Madhu shared that Priyanka’s father, Ashok Chopra, was not in favor of sending her abroad as a teenager. He felt it wasn’t the right age for her to live away from her parents. However, Madhu assured him that Priyanka would stay with her strict sister, who would take good care of her.
Priyanka lived in the US for three years without her parents. Her mother only visited her when she was 16 after Priyanka got into a fight at school. Soon after, she moved back to Bareilly.