Prem Chopra

Prem Chopra has carved a niche for himself by delivering cult classics such as 'Prem Nagar', 'Upkar', and 'Bobby' in the industry and became one of the most popular and undisputed villains of all time. The actor also courted fame overseas with some iconic negative roles.In an exclusive interview with ANI, Prem Chopra revealed that he was offered the role of Godfather in a Hollywood film paying homage to Francis Ford Coppola's iconic film 'The Godfather.'"I had an offer...somebody came to me and said they were making an English film, a Hollywood production with American actors in it. He told me that it was a tribute to 'Godfather' (cult crime trilogy directed by iconic American auteur Coppola). I jumped on it thinking I was playing the Godfather."Later, Chopra said, he found out that his role wasn't central to the plot but merely served as a reference to the film. "But when I arrived on the set, I was told that it wasn't the Godfather, and Godfather was merely a character in the film," recalls Chopra. The veteran actor also opened up on his debut 2012 Hollywood film 'Heartland', a Punjabi-English film with English as the predominant language and why the character of the Sardar that he essays in the film, refuses to speak in English due to a past experience."I did some American films also, including Heartland, which was released all over America. I played a Sardar in the film," the actor said."There is a good story around it," shared Chopra on why the character of the Sardar that he essays in 'Heartland' refuses to speak in English.Chopra reveals that in the film, his character's son-in-law is based in America, and an English girl was sent to seek his approval for marriage. The actor said that in the film, the character of the Sardar finds himself juggling with conflicting thoughts of permitting his son to marry into a community that he viewed differently due to past experiences.Chopra stated that in the film he "kept looking at that girl, thinking to myself it it was at all possible to let my son marry someone who represented a community of people who are unlike some of my best friends. We all used to be in the army. I said people who treated Indians like animals were responsible for the death of one of my best friends and did not even give him a respectable funeral. I said, I had made up my mind not to speak this language at all. However, I told the girl: 'Considering the surroundings you grew up in and finding you to be a very simple person, I deem you fit for the marriage.' This is the back story of the film and it became very popular."Helmed by Fred Holmes, 'Heartland', apart from Prem Chopra, also featured Stephan M Singh, Amelia Jackson-Gray and Divya Dutta.Chopra has worked in more than 400 films during his career and is fondly remembered for some of his iconic negative roles. His unforgettable one-liner "Prem naam hai mera... Prem Chopra" (Prem is my name...Prem Chopra) from the Rishi Kapoor starrer 'Bobby' got him overnight stardom as a villain.In a six-decade-old career in the industry, Prem Chopra acted in several films such as 'Upkaar', 'Purab Aur Pashchim', 'Do Raaste', and 'Phool Bane Angaarey', among others.He was recently seen in the action-thriller 'Animal', which also starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles.

Bobby', Bollywood ubiquitous villain Prem Chopra said he could 'do anything' for him.While the legendary actor only had a brief appearance in the film, which starred debtants Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia as the lead pair, Chopra wowed audiences with his evergreen one-liner "Prem Naam Hai Mera...Prem Chopra (The name is Prem...Prem Chopra)".In an exclusive interview with ANI, one of Indian cinema's most loved villains said, "Raj Kapoor, as we all know, was a genius. He approached me for a role in this film (Bobby). By then, I was already an established actor and had already received many awards. However, when he offered me a role in the film, I said 'okay'. I remember telling him, 'I will work with you. Who wouldn't?' He then told me that the role he had in mind for me was a special appearance. I told him, 'I can do anything for you, but I have a problem. I have done many big films with Dilip Sahab and other greats. I even shared equal screen space with them'. To this, he said, 'I need you for this role'. I said 'Okay'.""I remember asking Raj Sahab about my dialogues and scenes. All he said was 'Batayenge batayenge' (I will share the details in time). Later, he told me that I have just one dialogue in the film, which is: 'Prem, Prem naam hai meraPrem Chopra'. At first, I couldn't believe his words. Then I caught Premnath (actor) sitting close by I asked him if Raj Kapoor Saheb said I have just one dialogue in the film and, if so, would that be fitting. To this, he said, 'If this film becomes a hit, you will be the talk of the town'," Chopra said.He said it was that single dialoague that most of his fans still remember him by."That one line became such a rage that even when we did shows overseas, the audience would request me to say it on stage. Even now, wherever I go, people, even youngsters, start chanting 'Prem naam hai mera...Prem Chopra'," he added.'Bobby' also starred yesteryear actors Prem Nath as Jack Braganza and Pran as Ram Nath.The movie became a blockbuster and the second-highest-grosser in the seventies at the Indian box office.

Prem Chopra has proved himself to be an actor par excellence with his diverse roles. From playing a quintessential villain to multifaceted characters, his contribution is unmatched. He recently celebrated 65 years in the film industry.Be it his impactful performance in 'Chaudhary Karnail Singh' in 1960 to playing a layered character in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Animal', his on-screen presence has left the audience in awe of his acting skills.The ace actor started as a journalist in Times of India and later went on to prove his acting mettle in movies such as 'Shaheed', 'Upkar' and others.He was cast as Sukhdev in 'Shaheed', a 1965 patriotic film directed by S Ram Sharma and starring Manoj Kumar, Kamini Kaushal, and Pran. Iftekhar, Nirupa Roy, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri, and Anwar Hussain starred in supporting parts.He told ANI, "I was given an opportunity in 'Shaheed'. I played Sukhdev in it. So I received a lot of attention."Chopra calls it a "good" role. "I felt great since I wanted a good role. Then came the main break, 'Upkar'. Again with Manoj Kumar. In between, I did a picture with Vijay Anand, 'Teesri Manzil', 'Woh Kaun Thi?', and 'Mera Saaya', all Raj Khosla pictures that were huge hits. The songs were quite popular. People used to be talented. And they would strive very hard to achieve it. So that was all nice. And everything started to move."His acting career was fraught with difficulties, and carving out a niche for himself among giants such as Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, and Dev Anand was never simple. Despite his looks, he did not have a huge break until he landed a main role in the 1960 Punjabi film 'Chaudhary Karnail Singh', which starred Jagdish Sethi, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri, and Jabeen Jalil.Chopra shared how while working in the circulation department in the Times of India, he got a role in the Punjabi film. "I was spotted there by somebody and he said, can you come with me to the Ranjit Studios? He said, it's the role of the leading man but in a Punjabi film. Beggars are no choosers. So I said, let's see how it works out. And that was 'Chaudhary Karnail Singh'. It was the biggest hit of that time. We got a National Award and the biggest hit in Punjabi films. "In his career spanning nearly six decades, he has worked in films such as 'Upkar', ' Dastaan', 'Gora Aur Kala', and Kati Patang'.He was recently seen in the action thriller film 'Animal' which also starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles.

Prem Chopra". This evergreen dialogue from the 1973 cult-hit 'Bobby' has, over the years, become synonymous with one of Indian cinema's most loved and celebrated villains. Known for his arresting screen presence and distinguished style of acting, Prem Chopra entrenched his position as the ubiquitous bad man of indian cinema through his negative roles in films such as 'Upkar' and 'Do Raaste', to name a few. Through his flawless portrayal of numerous negative characters on the silver screen, Chopra not only captivated audiences but also built an aura around himself in the film industry.In an exclusive interview with ANI, Prem Chopra, now in his eighties, opened up on some of his iconic roles and performing alongside superstars of yesteryears and screen legends, some of whom he said he admired."When you are performing in front of the camera, you have to shed your inhibitions and be the same as every one else. Everybody is equal (in front of the camera). If you don't do that then you are not going to be there (survive in the industry) for a long time. You have to deliver the goods while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. There were people who used to be very hardworking and involved in the process of acting. I considered every movie as my last and gave it my all in the hope that my performance would be recognised and get me more work going forward," Chopra told ANI.On the one negative role that had an impact on his life, the debonair villain of yesteryears said, "When you are performing in front of the camera, you are playing and portraying character. You are not playing Prem Chopra, you are playing the character that you signed up to portray. If I'm playing a devilish role, I have to be the devil. I have to play it right and justify my character. That way, the picture wouldn't suffer. You have to adjust yourself. There were people in our industry who used to be absolute superstars. However, your stardom doesn't stay with you forever. It passes with time. When stardom diminishes, an actor has to adapt to that phase in his life or career. Even a superstar like Amitabh Bachchan adapted to doing other roles with time. He had to adjust to playing characters that were not of the leading man. However, he still gets pivotal roles. However, there were actors, who used to be a rage during their heydays, but fell away as they couldn't adapt to their declining stardom with time."On how being typecast in negative roles from the 50s to well into the 80s helped him etch his name in the industry as one of the premier villains, Chopra said, "I got very popular with the audience by playing negative roles. In the film 'Bobby', they (makers) did not have to write more scenes for him to establish the fact that I was going to create a problem. Just one dialogue told viewers that I was out to create trouble for the lead cast. After that role, people started to accept me as a villain. In the West, one can see how actors are similarly appreciated for positive and negative characters. Different roles enables an actor to showcase his versatility. However, my characters brought me all the love and popularity."While Prem Chopra had been with the industry long before 'Bobby' arrived in theatres, he found fame and overnight stardom as a villian with actor Rishi Kapoor's debut film.In a career spanning nearly six decades, he has worked in more than 400 films, including 'Upkaar', ' Purab Aur Pashchim', 'Do Raaste', and 'Phool Bane Angaarey', among others. He also shared the screen with several superstars such as Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor, and Manoj Kumar, among others.He was most recently seen in the action-thriller 'Animal', which also starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles.

Dilip Kumar has been an inspiration for many in the entertainment industry. Veteran star Prem Chopra, who is a distinguished name in Indian cinema, also expressed his admiration for him.In a conversation with ANI, he spoke about how Dilip Kumar was a guiding force for him since his college days.He said, "I have been a huge fan of Dilip Kumar Sahib since my college days. I saw his films and was struck by how natural he is as an actor and how he performs in front of the camera. I used to go back a second time to watch his films. Only to study. He was not from any institution, he was an institution himself."Chopra added that he was an inspiration for others and if anyone was asked to act like him, it used to be a compliment for that person."There are some scenes where the writer is narrating the script. This scene has to be enacted like Dilip Kumar. Such a big compliment to him," he added.Chopra worked with the legendary actor in several films including Dastaan (1972), Bairaag (1976), and Duniya (1984). Recalling his working experience with him, he shared, "I worked with Dilip sahib in seven films like 'Bairaag', 'Dastaan', 'Kranti', 'Duniya' and there was one more film which I was going to do but then he fell sick."Apart from Dilip Kumar, he also admired the late actress and epitome of beauty Madhubala.He added, "I never did a film with Madhubala, but I was her fan. She was a pretty woman."Earlier, he recalled the challenges he faced while establishing himself in the industry. Chopra shared how while working in the circulation department in the Times of India, he got a role in a Punjabi film. "I was spotted there by somebody and he said, can you come with me to the Ranjit Studios? He said, it's the role of the leading man but in a Punjabi film. Beggars are no choosers. So I said, let's see how it works out. And that was 'Chaudhary Karnail Singh'. It was the biggest hit of that time. We got a National Award and the biggest hit in Punjabi films. "In his career spanning six decades, he has worked in films such as 'Upkar', ' Dastaan', 'Gora Aur Kala', and Kati Patang'.He was recently seen in the action thriller film 'Animal' which also starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles.

Ranbir Kapoor, veteran star Prem Chopra, one of the most iconic villains in Hindi cinema, has worked with the entire Kapoor family across four generations.His latest film 'Animal' was with Ranbir only.Sharing his experience working with the son of late Rishi Kapoor, Prem Chopra told ANI, "Ranbir is a very fine actor. He did a good damn job in 'Rocket Singh'. He was very much involved."Prem Chopra has worked with Ranbir in a couple of films. He essayed the role of Ranbir's father in 'Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year' and in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Animal', he was featured as the elder brother of Ranbir Kapoor's grandfather.Interestingly, Prem Chopra shares a close bond with the Kapoors due to their family dynamics. He married Uma Malhotra in 1969. She is the sibling of late Krishna Raj Kapoor, wife of Raj Kapoor.On being related to the Kapoor family, Prem Chopra said, "My wife is a younger sister of Mrs Raj Kapoor. Also, that relationship does not matter when you are facing the camera."He also explained that having connections in the family does not necessarily result in getting work in the industry.Prem Chopra has also worked with Neetu Kapoor and Babita.

Prem Chopra needs no introduction. The actor who played the typical villain in his varied characters has left an everlasting impact on the audience.While his early career in the industry was distinguished by his effective depiction of antagonists, his transformation from the austere man in 'Chaudhary Karnail Singh' to the subtle depiction of characters with depth and complexity, such as in 'Animal', illustrates his flexibility and lasting influence. In an exclusive conversation with ANI, Bollywood's quintessential villain recalled his acting journey that started from a stint in a newspaper to making his name as a strong antagonist in films.Chopra said that his journey as an actor was full of challenges and making a place for himself amidst the stars like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand had never been easy. Despite his looks, he said he did not get a major break till he got a leading role in the 1960 Punjabi film 'Chaudhary Karnail Singh' starring Jagdish Sethi, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri, and Jabeen Jalil.Chopra shared how while working in the circulation department in the Times of India, he got a role in a Punjabi film. "I was spotted there by somebody and he said, can you come with me to the Ranjit Studios? He said, it's the role of the leading man but in a Punjabi film. Beggars are no choosers. So I said, let's see how it works out. And that was 'Chaudhary Karnail Singh'. It was the biggest hit of that time. We got a National Award and the biggest hit in Punjabi films. "He continued, "Then a lot of people came to me for Punjabi films. And I said, ye zyada hi ho gaya kuch(this is too much), I don't want to lose my job. I have to be careful about it."The veteran actor revealed that he did not leave his newspaper job even after his film became a success, but he was determined to be an actor. During his stint with the Times of India, he acted in Punjabi films and also did Hindi movies including 'Woh Kaun Thi?', Shaheed, 'Main Shaadi Karne Chala' and 'Teesri Manzil', among others."I didn't quit. I did a lot of pictures during that job," the actor said.He essayed the character of Sukhdev in 'Shaheed', a 1965 patriotic film directed by S Ram Sharma starring Manoj Kumar, Kamini Kaushal and Pran in lead roles. Iftekhar, Nirupa Roy, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri and Anwar Hussain star were in supporting roles."I was given a chance in 'Shaheed'. Manoj Kumar and myself. I played Sukhdev in it. So I was noticed very well. And then the flow of pictures started," Chopra said.While praising Manoj Kumar, the veteran actor said, "His way of working was very original and very simple. He would take the whole scene in one shot. Sometimes he would operate the camera himself. And that used to have wonderful results. It was just like working on the stage. He had a very original style. He was a writer himself and director, producer and leading man of course of every film."Chopra continued playing Sukhdev in 'Shaheed' and called it a "good" role. "I felt very good because I wanted a good role. Then the major break was 'Upkar'. Again with Manoj Kumar. And in between I did one picture with Vijay Anand, 'Teesri Manzil', 'Woh Kaun Thi?' and 'Mera Saaya'.. all Raj Khosla's pictures and they were super hit films. The songs were so famous. People used to be very talented. And they would do a lot of hard work for that. So it was good. And things started going."So, people started recognizing him, "I had not quit the job. Some people had seen my pictures I didn't tell anyone. So, my manager, called me one day. He said, 'I'm sure, I'm a hundred per cent sure that you don't want to be in this job and you are already interested in cinema. But let me tell you, when you are working here, you work properly and keep on trying silently'. It was very nice of him. I said, yes sir, I will do. So I was very keen. Then 20 days in a month, I used to go out of Bombay because certain areas were under me. So I had to increase the sales."He recalled his friends in the industry and shared, "Manoj Kumar was one of them. Jeetendra was another one. We were staying in the same building. We used to struggle together. They used to have great fun."Recalling the initial days of struggle and the filmmaking process, he added, "In those days, there were no vanity vans. But you are staying in a place and you're working, and then you're given some room to look after yourself, make a bed and all that. And then after the shot and all that, you sit together and start to know each other very well. So the next shot starts. And those days, the films were not made in isolation. That used to be a group activity. So people would suggest, make suggestions, ki mai yeh karna chahta hu (I want to do this). There were no bound scripts."However, even though he became popular and was free to give suggestions, he added that the director's call used to be final, "The director has always been the captain of the ship. And he was very clear about what he was doing. Our job was to perform, to perform and to leave an effect there. So that is not different. He was of course always there. He used to be the head of the department."Talking about his popular one-liners in films he said, "All the people started thinking that Prem Chopra ko lena hai to one-liner zaroor chahiye"He recalled his popular one-liner in the 1983 film 'Souten', directed by Saawan Kumar Tak starring Rajesh Khanna, Tina Munim, Padmini Kolhapure, Prem Chopra and Pran."I still remember my dialogue in the film, 'Souten', Mai vo bala hu jo sheeshe se pathar ko todta hu'. Rajesh Khanna and Saawan were discussing this dialogue and they said, 'mai vo bala hu jo pathar se sheeshe ko todta hu', however, I said, 'agar ulta kar de to'. So, they accepted. And things become popular even now."In his career spanning six decades, he has worked in films such as 'Upkar', ' Dastaan', 'Gora Aur Kala', and Kati Patang' among others.He was recently seen in the action thriller film 'Animal' which also starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles.

Bollywood's quintessential villan, Prem Chopra, who was born in Lahore, was once invited by Zia-ul-Haq, the former President of Pakistan to visit the neighbouring country.During Partition, the 88-year-old versatile actor's family relocated from Lahore to Shimla where he was raised.In an exclusive interview with ANI, the thespian said, "In Lahore, I used to stay in Krishna Gali. There were many galis, I stayed in Gali No 5. After so many years, someone in Pakistan found my house and featured it on television." Chopra said that he got a chance to see his childhood home on TV.Asked whether he had ever returned to the place of his birth, Chopra said that he had received an invite by Zia-ul-Haq to visit Lahore, but he was unable to go. "Mujhe invitation aya tha Zia ul haq sahib ka, lekin us samay main Delhi mein tha, main aur Shatru (Shatrughan Sinha) aur Yash Johar jaane vaale lekin the ...I got very busy and then suddenly that very day I had fever so I couldn't do it." In 1999, the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee travelled from Amritsar to Lahore in a bus which Bollywood legend Dev Anand, writer Javed Akhtar and cricket icon Kapil Dev.Chopra reiterated the Punjabi saying "Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya O Jamyai Nai" a Punjabi saying that means "one who hasn't seen Lahore has not lived." "Abhi bhi there are dramas, very good dramas.. you should see them," Chopra said. "Lahore was a chota sa shahar (small city) and my father was a government service he was transferred to Shimla after Partition ... We left Lahore seven days prior in 1947, I used to hear that there was chaos everywhere, I did not understand much and used to be lost in my own world," he said.Chopra said there were many theatres, such as Gaiety that was recently remodelled, in the city that was the preferred summer capital of the Britishers. He recalled that he too developed an interest in acting and took part in plays in his college days.The actor said that recently he visited Shimla and essayed the role of Shakespeare's villain 'Shylock' in a play."One special thing about Shimla was that there were many theatres nearby. I, recently, went to Shimla after many years and I performed the role of Shylock in an English play. I was happy about that as it was very well accepted by the people. And there I got the best actor awards also," he said.Notably, Prem Chopra was often cast in negative villain role in his career that spanned over 60 decades. His roles in 'Bobby,' 'Do Anjaane,' 'Trishul,' 'Kati Patang,' and 'Kaalia' among others captured the imagination of cinegoers of the 1970s and 1980s and he became Bollywood's favourite villain.Prem Chopra was last seen in 'Animal' in a supporting role. He received a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Do Anjaane.' Last year, he also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 68th Filmfare Awards.

Prem Chopra has been a part of the Indian film industry for more than six decades now.Chopra's way of playing the 'Bad Guy' in Hindi films like 'Upkaar', 'Do Raaste', 'Dostana', to name a few, was widely appreciated by the audience.Throughout his career, Chopra worked with superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Raj Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna.In a recent interview with ANI, Chopra showered love on megastar Big B and called him a "global star."Chopra said," He is a superduper star even now. In everything. He is a global actor. Global actor, global personality. He's a very hard-working actor. He used to come prepared on the set. But he would not imitate somebody. He would do his own work. And he... succeeded in doing his work. People used to feel very fortunate to have him in their cast."Chopra and Big B worked in films like 'Mard', 'Naseeb', 'Bunty aur Babli', 'Andha Kanoon', 'Dostana', and others. Prem Chopra has carved a niche for himself with his iconic dialogue "Prem naam hai mera... Prem Chopra" from the actor Rishi Kapoor's debut film. 'Bobby' is what got him stardom.In his career spanning nearly six decades, he worked in more than 400 films. Films such as 'Upkaar', ' Purab Aur Pashchim', 'Do Raaste', and'Phool Bane Angaarey' among others.He was recently seen in the action thriller film 'Animal' which also starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles.

Prem Chopra has carved a niche for himself in Bollywood. In a career spanning nearly six decades, he has appeared in several big Hindi films.He is known for his villainous roles in Bollywood films like 'Upkaar', 'Dostana', and 'Phool Bane Angaray.'His iconic dialogue "Prem naam hai mera... Prem Chopra" from the actor Rishi Kapoor's debut film 'Bobby' is what catapulted Chopra to stardom.He shared a healthy friendship bond with Rishi Kapoor and other than 'Bobby' the duo appeared together in several big films including 'Nagina', 'Naseeb' and 'Prem Granth'.While talking to ANI, Chopra recalled memories with Kapoor and said, "We used to be together all the time. He got all right, he got free from cancer, but then again got into a problem. He was a very nice actor and a jolly good chap. We used to discuss girls. We were having a lot of pranks with each other. There were so many funny things to do."Rishi Kapoor passed away on April 30 in 2020 at the age of 67.He was suffering from leukaemia. He was in New York for a considerable amount of time for his treatment. His wife Neetu was there for him as a rock-solid partner through thick and thin.Reportedly, not only professionally, but Chopra was connected to the 'Kapoor Khandaan' personally also as he married Uma Malhotra in 1969. She is the sibling of Krishna Raj Kapoor, wife of Raj Kapoor. Prem Chopra has acted in several films such as 'Upkaar', 'Purab Aur Pashchim', 'Do Raaste', and 'Phool Bane Angaarey' among others.He was recently seen in the action thriller film 'Animal' which also starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna in the lead roles.