Mannara Chopra’s Heartbreaking Farewell: Tears, Rain, and Family Grief as She Bids Final Goodbye to Her Father, Raman Rai Handa

Mumbai, June 2025 — In the relentless downpour that swept across Mumbai, a scene of profound grief unfolded at the Oshiwara Hindu Crematorium. Bollywood actress and reality TV star Mannara Chopra, known for her vibrant screen presence and infectious energy, was utterly transformed by loss. As she bid a final, tearful farewell to her father, Raman Rai Handa, the world witnessed a side of her rarely seen—a daughter shattered, a family broken, and a legacy remembered.

The Final Goodbye: A Daughter’s Grief in the Rain

On June 16th, the Chopra family was struck by tragedy. Raman Rai Handa, father to Mannara and Mitali Handa, and uncle to global superstar Priyanka Chopra and actress Parineeti Chopra, passed away at the age of 72 after a period of illness. The news, first shared by Mannara through a heartfelt Instagram story, sent waves of condolences through Bollywood and beyond.

The day of the funeral was marked by heavy monsoon rains, as if nature itself mourned alongside the family. Mannara, supported by her sister Mitali and mother Kamini Chopra Handa, arrived at the crematorium, her face streaked with tears and rain. The sisters, visibly devastated, carried their father’s body together in the ambulance, refusing to let go even in his final moments.

As the rites began, Mannara’s grief was overwhelming. She sobbed uncontrollably, clinging to Mitali, who herself struggled to contain her sorrow. The two sisters, who had always shared the limelight with grace and poise, now found themselves united in heartbreak, their pain laid bare for all to see. Their mother, Kamini, stood nearby, her face etched with loss, her eyes hollow with grief.

A Family’s Loss: When Celebrities Become Daughters

For the public, Mannara Chopra is a star—her glamorous photos, red carpet appearances, and spirited performances have won her legions of fans. But at the cremation ground, she was simply a daughter, stripped of all artifice, caught in the rawest moment of human emotion.

Those present spoke of the silence that fell as Mannara performed the final rites. With trembling hands and tear-filled eyes, she lit the pyre, whispering a last goodbye to the man who had been her pillar of strength. “I have lost my greatest supporter,” she later wrote on social media, her words echoing the anguish of countless children who have lost a parent.

The Chopra sisters’ pain was palpable. Mitali, usually the quieter of the two, broke down repeatedly, needing the support of friends and relatives to stand. Kamini, the matriarch, tried to be strong for her daughters, but the loss of her life partner left her visibly shaken.

The Rain That Would Not Stop: Nature Mourns With the Chopras

As the rituals unfolded, the rain intensified, drenching everyone present. But no one moved. The family, friends, and a handful of industry colleagues stood steadfast, umbrellas forgotten, as if refusing to let the elements interrupt this sacred moment.

“It felt as if the heavens were weeping with us,” said one family friend. “The rain was relentless, but so was our grief.”

In Indian tradition, rain during a funeral is considered a sign of the soul’s peaceful journey to the afterlife. Many whispered prayers, hoping that Raman Handa’s soul would find solace and that his daughters would find the strength to heal.

The Absence of Priyanka Chopra: Family Bonds and Heartfelt Messages

One notable absence at the ceremony was that of Priyanka Chopra, Mannara’s cousin and one of India’s most recognized faces globally. While Priyanka could not attend the funeral due to prior commitments abroad, she expressed her sorrow through a touching social media post, sharing old family photos and writing, “Rest in peace, Fufaji. You will be missed.” Her brother Siddharth Chopra and Parineeti Chopra’s father, Pawan Chopra, were present, representing the extended family and offering support to the grieving trio.

Despite her absence, Priyanka’s presence was felt in spirit. She called the family multiple times, offering comfort and sharing memories of her beloved uncle. Her words, shared widely on social media, resonated with fans and friends alike, reminding everyone that even celebrities are not immune to the pain of loss.

Raman Rai Handa: A Legacy of Wisdom and Love

Raman Rai Handa was more than just the father of two daughters; he was a respected lawyer at the Delhi High Court, a loving husband, and a mentor to many. His marriage to Kamini Chopra Handa, aunt to Priyanka and Parineeti, made him a central figure in one of Bollywood’s most prominent families.

Colleagues remember him as a man of integrity and kindness, always willing to lend a hand or offer sage advice. “He was the backbone of his family,” said a close friend. “He raised his daughters with values, taught them resilience, and stood by them in every storm.”

His passing leaves a void not just in the Chopra household, but in the wider community that looked up to him.

The Chopra Sisters: United in Sorrow

For Mannara and Mitali, this loss comes at a pivotal time. Both sisters have been making strides in their respective fields—Mannara in films and television, Mitali in business. Yet, in their father’s absence, they must now find new ways to support each other and their grieving mother.

Several images from the funeral went viral, showing Mannara clinging to Mitali, their faces wet with tears. The world, used to seeing them as glamorous and untouchable, was reminded of their humanity. Fans flooded social media with messages of support, sharing their own stories of loss and resilience.

Many noted the strength the sisters showed in carrying their father’s body, a gesture rarely seen in traditional Indian funerals. “They broke stereotypes,” said a family friend. “They showed that daughters are every bit as devoted as sons.”

The Power of Community: Bollywood Stands With Mannara

The Chopra family’s loss reverberated through Bollywood. Messages of condolence poured in from stars and filmmakers, many of whom had worked with Mannara or been touched by Raman Handa’s kindness.

“Stay strong, Mannara. Your father will always be with you,” wrote actress Parineeti Chopra. Others echoed the sentiment, sharing stories of how Raman Handa had inspired them or offered guidance during difficult times.

In the days that followed, the family received a steady stream of visitors—friends, colleagues, and fans all eager to pay their respects. The outpouring of love provided some comfort, but the pain remained raw.

Grief in the Public Eye: The Cost of Celebrity

For Mannara, grieving in the public eye brought its own challenges. Every tear, every embrace, was captured by cameras and dissected online. While most messages were supportive, a few trolls questioned the family’s choices or speculated about the absence of certain relatives.

Despite the scrutiny, Mannara chose to share her grief openly, posting tributes to her father and thanking fans for their support. “He was my hero, my greatest strength,” she wrote. “I will carry his lessons with me always.”

Her vulnerability struck a chord with many, sparking conversations about mental health, the importance of family, and the need for compassion in times of loss.

The Road Ahead: Healing and Remembrance

In the days since the funeral, the Chopra family has begun the slow process of healing. Rituals continue at home, with prayers and remembrances bringing the family together. Mannara, Mitali, and Kamini have leaned on each other, drawing strength from shared memories and the support of loved ones.

The loss of a parent is a wound that never fully heals, but the Chopra sisters are determined to honor their father’s legacy. Mannara has pledged to continue her work in film, dedicating her next project to her father’s memory. Mitali has taken on new responsibilities at home, supporting her mother and helping manage family affairs.

Kamini, though heartbroken, remains a source of strength for her daughters. Friends say she has found solace in prayer and the knowledge that her husband’s spirit lives on in their children.

Reflections: A Universal Story of Love and Loss

The story of Mannara Chopra’s loss is, in many ways, universal. It is the story of every daughter who has said goodbye to her father, of every family that has gathered in the rain to mourn a loved one. It is a reminder that beneath the glamour and fame, celebrities are human—capable of deep love, profound grief, and remarkable resilience.

As the Chopra family moves forward, their journey will be watched by millions. But for now, they are simply a family in mourning, united by love, bound by loss, and strengthened by the memories of a man who meant everything to them.

Final Words: The Strength of a Daughter’s Love

As the flames rose at the crematorium, Mannara Chopra stood with her family, her tears mingling with the rain. In that moment, she was not a star, not a celebrity, but a daughter—grieving, loving, and saying goodbye.

Her father’s legacy will live on, not just in the films she makes or the stories she tells, but in the strength she shows every day. In her grief, Mannara has reminded us all of the power of family, the importance of love, and the enduring bond between a father and his child.

May Raman Rai Handa rest in peace. May his family find comfort in each other. And may we all remember that, in the end, it is love that carries us through the darkest storms.

If you have ever lost someone you love, share your story below. Let’s remind each other that we are never truly alone in our grief.