On his birthday, Prem Chopra relives his days as a young actor in Bollywood

The veteran actor celebrates his 86th birthday today, September 23

Prem Chopra turns 86

Well-known Prem Chopra used to direct Bollywood films for over 60 years and achieved every actor’s position.

Entertainer Prem Chopra was born in Lahore on September 23, 1935. After the India-Pakistan package in 1947, Prem moved to Shimla with his family, and Prem’s initial training was in Shimla. 

He later moved from Punjab University. During this time, Prem had a propensity for acting and became interested in school drama programs. After graduating from high school, Prem came to Mumbai with the fantasy of becoming an entertainer.

After arriving here, Prem found it challenging to enter the world of cinema. Meanwhile, he started selling papers early in the process. He also worked in the circulation department of the Times of India. 

After a long struggle, he had the opportunity to work on the 1960 film “MudMud Ke Na Dekh”. Still, the film did not do well in the movie world. After that, Prem Chopra had the opportunity to work on the Punjabi film “Chaudhary Colonel Singh”.

Prem Chopras `Wo Kaun Thi` got filmed in 1960, and he appeared as the villain in the movie. The film became a hit in the film industry, and Prem received offers for a long time. With his fiery performance in numerous Bollywood movies, he captured the hearts of the audience. 

Bobby with Dimple Kapadia and the late actor Rishi Kapoor remains one of the most popular films in Hindi cinema. In central roles, the film also starred Prem Chopra, Aruna Irani, Farida Jalal, Prem Nath, and Pran.

In a conversation with Indian Express, Prem Chopra opened a role in Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia’s Bobby. The veteran actor revealed that the legendary Raj Kapoor convinced him to take on the part while drinking.

Prem Chopra and Amitabh Bachchan 

The veteran actor, who will celebrate his 86th birthday today, September 23, took a trip back in time and shared a touching incident about a special birthday wish he received from Amitabh Bachchan years ago.

Prem Chopra recalled that Big B had not forgotten to wish him on his special day despite filming in the desert. Many think that Amitabh Bachchan’s agility, skill, and hard work made him a superstar.

But Prem Chopra believes that Big B’s humility and attitude towards people helped him rise to the top. Amitabh Bachchan faced many rejections in his early days in the industry, and he has often turned down or refused and rejected for one reason or another.

Prem Chopra, an admirer of Big B’s modesty, revealed that these things did not affect Amitabh Bachchan and continued with confidence.

Evergreen dialogues

BOBBY – No one can forget that wicked grin when the veteran actor said, “Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra.” The film marked the debut of Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia as lead actors, and it was the highest-grossing movie of 1973.

Do ANJANE: Although the film featured Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha in lead roles, the veteran actor received the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Role. The audience highly appreciated Chopra’s performance. 

TRISHUL- With a tremendous all-star cast of him, Trishul is a true entertainer. The story revolves around Vijay, played by Amitabh Bachchan, who waged war against his illegitimate father. Prem Chopra’s character name was Balwant Rai, and his wicked and cunning expressions made him one of his most hated villains. 

RAJA BABU- The negative nuances of Chopra’s character in the 1994 film Raja Babu were intensified a million times over by the ironic way he conveyed his lines.

Another memorable dialogue from Chopra comes from that movie when he says, “Nanga Nahaayega Kya, Aur Nichodega Kya.” 

SOUTEN- “Main Woh Balaa Hoon, Jo Sheeshey Se Patthar Ko Todta Hoon” – The way Chopra filmed this dialogue has made him one of the most famous villains in the business.

The 1983 film narrated a love triangle between Rajesh Khanna, Tina Munim, Padmini Kolhapure and Prem Chopra.