Madhu Chopra on daughter Priyanka’s botched surgery: ‘She felt like, ‘I went for one thing and came back with another’’; how to handle beauty mishaps

Madhu Chopra also described the incident as an “accident” and a “mishap” but emphasised that it was not the end of the world for her daughter Priyanka.

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | March 27, 2025 06:30 PM IST

3 min read

Madhu Chopra, shared how Priyanka was deeply affected after her botched surgery (Source: Instagram/Dr Madhu Akhouri Chopra)

Undergoing a cosmetic procedure comes with certain risks, and sometimes, the results may not align with expectations. Actor Priyanka Chopra faced such a challenge in her career when a surgical procedure to remove a polyp in her nasal cavity altered her appearance in the early 2000s.

Recalling the incident in an interview with Pinkvilla, her mother, Madhu Chopra, shared how Priyanka was deeply affected and how her father, Ashok, calmed her down. “She was upset, of course. She felt like, ‘I went for one thing and came back with another.’ But her father reassured her, saying, ‘There’s nothing we cannot fix. Don’t worry; this is a very small thing.’”

Despite the setback, Priyanka did not let the experience define her. She went on to achieve massive success in Bollywood through sheer talent and confidence, proving that such a presence can outshine physical imperfections.

Madhu also described the incident as an “accident” and a “mishap” but emphasised that it was not the end of the world for her daughter.

So, what role does self-image play in handling beauty ‘mishaps,’ and how can someone separate their self-worth from their physical appearance?

Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani tells indianexpress.com, “Self-image plays a huge role in how we handle setbacks. When something goes wrong with our appearance, it’s easy to feel like our worth has taken a hit. But beauty isn’t just about looks — it’s about who we are, what we stand for, and how we treat others. A bad beauty experience doesn’t define us. Positive self-talk, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and focusing on personal growth can help shift the focus from just physical appearance to a more well-rounded sense of self-worth.”

Mentally and emotionally coping with unexpected results from cosmetic procedures

Getting unexpected results from a cosmetic procedure can be really tough, admits Gurnani, adding that it’s normal to “feel upset, frustrated, or even regretful.” The first step to coping is allowing yourself to process these emotions instead of pushing them away. Talking to close friends or family can help, and if the distress feels overwhelming, a therapist can provide useful guidance.

“Focusing on things that make you feel good — whether it’s working out, meditating, or doing something creative — can also help rebuild confidence. If a fix is possible, consulting a trusted professional can provide reassurance. At the end of the day, confidence isn’t about looking perfect but about how you carry yourself through challenges,” states the expert.

How can one make an informed decision about cosmetic procedures to minimise risks while maintaining realistic expectations?

To avoid disappointment, Gurnani states that it’s important to be fully informed before getting any cosmetic procedure. “Research the doctor, ask about their experience, and look at their previous work. Be realistic about what’s possible and understand the risks involved. Rushing into something or doing it for the wrong reasons — like social pressure — can lead to regret. A well-thought-out decision will make you feel more in control and confident, no matter the outcome,” she explains.

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