MUMBAI: Legendary Bollywood filmmaker Yash Chopra, who passed away late last year, has been immortalized through a bronze statue. The late filmaker’s wife Pamela and son Uday Chopra unveiled his statue at the UTV Stars Walk in Mumbai.
The Yash Chopra statue at the UTV Stars Walk will be seen at the Bandra Promenade from 15th February, along with other cinema greats like Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor. The bronze figurine sees the filmmaker wearing his legendary hat, striking a pose with his beloved movie camera. Present at the unveiling of the statue were family and close friends from the industry like Rani Mukerji, Shatrughan Sinha, Poonam Dhillon, choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant, director Kabir Khan, Prem Chopra, Hiroo Johar, and Parineeti Chopra.
Pamela Chopra was visibly moved by the gesture, and said, “I want to thank UTV for this initiative because people forget… We all tend to do so. But with this statue, we will not forget him. I really like the statute, especially with this favorite cap and his camera.”
Chopra’s son Uday was emotional, and said that his father will be “remembered for his work”. “I have seen him live, so it’s a different feeling. And as rightly said, now his admirers can touch him and feel him,” added a teary-eyed Uday.
Even Rani Mukerji, who is rumoured to be dating Chopra’s other son Aditya, took to the stage and reportedly was choked with emotion upon seeing the lovely statue of Yashji. “I would like to thank UTV for this. It’s a great moment for all the people who loved Yash uncle and the people who are associated with the family. We will all miss him,” she sobbed.
Rumours have been rife that Rani is now secretly married to Aditya Chopra. And Shatrughan Sinha inadvertently let the cat out of the bag, at the unveiling of Yash Chopra’s bronze statue, when he said, “Yash Chopra, Pamela Chopra, Uday Chopra, Rani… just now my wife said I missed out on Aditya Chopra. Rani Chopra ka naam liye hai toh zahir se baat hai Aditya Chopra ka naam bhi… (When I am taking Rani Chopra’s name, then it is obvious that I am taking Aditya Chopra’s name as well).”
Rani was left blushing and in shock after Shatrughan Sinha’s speech; for Rani and Aditya have never come out in the open to talk about their relationship. And now, Shatrughan has added fuel to fire by taking Rani’s name as ‘Rani Chopra’. Interestingly, we hear that when paparazzos requested for a photo of Rani and Pamela beside Yashji’s statue, Pamela reportedly politely declined.
