By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
On His Birth Anniversary
Most cine-goers would be surprised to know that Prem Chopra made his film debut, as a hero, in a Punjabi film “Chaudhary Karnail Singh” which won President’s National Award in two categories. Jagdish Sethi played a memorable role in the film .In an era of cut-throat competition, coupled with a sense of insecurity, Chopra joined The Times of India. New film assignments, however, kept pouring in at regular intervals and in the process he did films like “Shaheed”, “Mera Saya”. “Nishaan” and “Woh Kaun Thi” thereby adding to his popularity, though slowly but steadily. Stayed at Nibhana, Pali Hills for decades.
Prem Chopra left his job after the box office success of “Teesri Manzil” and “Upkaar”. In the days that followed he emerged as a villain of yore with hits like “Do Raaste”, “Kati Patang”, “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” and “Apraadh”. Raj Kapoors “Bobby” provided him the much needed shot in the arm.
Prem Chopra who turns 89 today, is a proud father of three daughters. His biography “Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra”, written by his daughter Rakita Nanda, was released in April 2014. He played Sukhdev in “Shaheed”, the only positive role in his entire film career as a villain. Anjaana(1969), Pagla Kahin Ka, Jawab,Yaadgaar (1970), Haré Raama Haré Krishna, Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee (1971), Dastaan, Raja Jani, Be-Imaan (1972), Mehbooba, Barood (1976), Phandebaaz (1978) Sauten, Mawaali & Betaab (1983), Aadmi (1993) were some of his other notable films. Worked in more than 370 films in a career spanning six decades.
