Heartbreak at the Airport: Mannara Chopra Shattered After Father’s Death, Sister Mitali by Her Side as Chopra Family Plunges Into Mourning

The Unimaginable Loss

In a world obsessed with celebrity glamour and red-carpet smiles, the real, raw moments of grief often go unseen. On June 16, 2025, the dazzling lights of Bollywood dimmed for Mannara Chopra—a rising star and beloved cousin of global icon Priyanka Chopra—when she was struck by the most devastating news of her life. Her father, Raman Rai Handa, a respected lawyer and the cherished son-in-law of the illustrious Chopra family, had passed away after a prolonged illness. The news sent shockwaves through both the Chopra and Handa families, and soon, through the entire Indian entertainment industry.

But it wasn’t just the loss itself that captured the nation’s attention—it was the heart-wrenching scene that unfolded at Mumbai airport. Mannara, usually the picture of bubbly confidence and infectious laughter, was seen completely broken, her face streaked with tears, her composure shattered. Alongside her, younger sister Mitali was equally inconsolable. The two sisters, caught by paparazzi lenses in their most vulnerable moment, became the face of unbearable grief—a reminder that even the brightest stars are not immune to life’s darkest tragedies.

A Scene That Stunned the Nation

The images and videos quickly went viral. Mannara, clutching her phone, her voice trembling as she tried to coordinate last rites and comfort family members, was a far cry from the glamorous actress fans were used to. Mitali, her eyes swollen from crying, held onto her sister as if afraid she might collapse. The two girls, usually seen lighting up parties and events, now looked lost, overwhelmed, and desperate to reach home.

Onlookers at the airport described the scene as “gut-wrenching.” One witness said, “I’ve seen celebrities come and go, but I’ve never seen anyone so visibly broken. Mannara was sobbing, barely able to walk. It was clear she was in shock.” Another added, “The pain on her face was so real, so raw, that everyone around felt it. People were crying just watching her.”

The Tragedy Unfolds

The story of Mannara’s heartbreak began in the early hours of June 16, when she and Mitali received the dreaded call. Their father, Raman Rai Handa, had lost his long battle with illness at the age of 72. Both sisters were away from home at the time, busy with work and commitments. The news hit them like a tidal wave—there would be no more time, no more goodbyes. The man who had shielded them from the storms of life was gone, and they hadn’t been there to hold his hand in his final moments.

Frantically booking the earliest available flight, Mannara and Mitali raced to Mumbai, their minds numb with shock and regret. “We couldn’t believe it. We kept hoping it was a mistake, that we would land and find him waiting for us,” a source close to the family revealed. But reality was merciless. By the time they arrived, their beloved father had already left this world, his last wish to see his daughters one final time unfulfilled.

The Chopra Family in Mourning

The Chopra household, usually filled with laughter and celebration, was plunged into silence. Priyanka Chopra, who shares a deep bond with her cousin Mannara, was among the first to offer support. Sources say Priyanka immediately canceled all her engagements and reached out to the family, her own heart breaking for her young cousins. “Priyanka is devastated. She loved her uncle dearly and is doing everything she can to support Mannara and Mitali,” a family friend shared.

The news also deeply affected Parineeti Chopra, another cousin, who was seen arriving at the family home with tears in her eyes. The Chopra and Handa families, known for their close-knit ties, have always celebrated festivals and milestones together. Now, they found themselves united in grief, struggling to come to terms with the loss of a man who was not just a father and husband, but a pillar of strength and wisdom.

Raman Rai Handa: A Life Remembered

Raman Rai Handa was more than just Mannara’s father. He was a respected lawyer at the Delhi High Court, known for his integrity and dedication. Married to Kamini Chopra, the aunt of Priyanka and Parineeti, he was the only son-in-law in the Chopra family—a role he filled with grace and love. Family gatherings were incomplete without his booming laughter and thoughtful advice. He was the glue that held the extended family together, often mediating disputes and ensuring everyone felt valued.

Friends remember Raman as a man of principle, someone who never hesitated to stand up for what was right. “He was the kind of person you could call at 2 AM and know he would show up,” recalled a longtime friend. His generosity extended beyond his family—he was known for his pro bono legal work, helping those who couldn’t afford representation. “He believed in justice, not just for the privileged, but for everyone,” said a colleague.

The Pain of Not Saying Goodbye

For Mannara and Mitali, the pain of losing their father is compounded by the regret of not being there in his final moments. “No child should have to live with that guilt,” a family member said. “They adored their father. He was their hero, their protector. The fact that he passed away alone has left them shattered.”

Sources close to the family revealed that Raman had been battling illness for several months, but always put on a brave face for his daughters. “He never wanted them to worry. Even when he was in pain, he would crack jokes and tell them to focus on their careers,” the source added. In the end, his selflessness meant that his daughters were spared the sight of his suffering, but at the cost of a final farewell.

A Delayed Farewell

As per Mannara’s social media post, her father’s final rites were scheduled for June 18 at Andheri, Mumbai—a day later than initially planned, to allow family members time to gather and grieve together. The delay added to the emotional turmoil, as the sisters struggled to come to terms with their loss while also managing the logistics of a funeral.

Fans and well-wishers flooded Mannara’s social media with messages of condolence and support. “Stay strong, Mannara. Your father will always be with you,” wrote one fan. Another commented, “We’ve seen you smile through everything. It’s okay to cry now. The whole country is praying for you.”

The Dark Side of Fame

The tragedy has also sparked a conversation about the pressures faced by celebrities in times of personal crisis. While fans expect their idols to be perpetually cheerful and composed, moments like these reveal the toll that fame can take. “It’s easy to forget that stars are human too,” said a Bollywood insider. “They bleed, they cry, they grieve just like the rest of us. But when the cameras are on, they have to put on a brave face.”

For Mannara, the airport breakdown was a rare moment of vulnerability—one that endeared her even more to her fans. “Seeing her like that made me realize how much she loved her father. She’s not just a star, she’s a daughter in pain,” said a supporter on Twitter.

A Family United in Grief

In the days following the tragedy, the Chopra and Handa families have come together to support each other. Priyanka, who often speaks about the importance of family, has reportedly taken charge of arrangements, ensuring that Mannara and Mitali have the space and comfort they need. “She’s being the big sister, the one holding everyone together,” a family friend revealed.

The loss has also brought distant relatives and friends back into the fold. “Sometimes it takes a tragedy to remind us of what really matters,” said a family elder. “We’re all here for each other now, and that’s what Raman would have wanted.”

The Legacy Lives On

As the family prepares to say their final goodbyes, the legacy of Raman Rai Handa lives on in his daughters. Mannara, despite her grief, has vowed to honor her father’s memory by continuing to pursue her dreams. “He always told me to be fearless, to never give up,” she said in a heartfelt post. “I will make him proud.”

Mitali, too, has found strength in the outpouring of love from friends and fans. “We’ve lost our father, but we haven’t lost the lessons he taught us,” she shared. “We will carry him with us, always.”

A Nation Mourns

The story of Mannara and Mitali’s heartbreak has touched millions across India. News channels and social media have been flooded with tributes to Raman Rai Handa and messages of support for his daughters. The Chopra family, already beloved by the nation, has found itself at the center of a collective mourning.

As the final rites are performed and the family begins the difficult process of healing, one thing is clear: the pain of loss is universal, and even the brightest stars must face the darkness of grief. But in their sorrow, Mannara and Mitali have shown a strength and vulnerability that has inspired countless others.

Final Words

In the end, the tragedy that struck the Chopra family is a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of love. Raman Rai Handa may be gone, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him. As Mannara and Mitali navigate the difficult days ahead, they do so with the support of a nation that mourns with them.

To Mannara, Mitali, and the entire Chopra family: may you find comfort in each other, and may the memory of a beloved father guide you through the storm.