Biography
Prem Chopra is an actor known for his work in Hindi and Punjabi films. He was born into a Hindu Punjabi family in Lahore on 23 September 1935, to Ranbirlal and Rooprani Chopra, and was the third of six children. His father worked at the attorney-general's office and raised him in Shimla. Although his father wished for him to become an IAS officer, Chopra chose to pursue performing arts and graduated with an arts degree from Punjab University. Between 1957 and 1961, Shimla had a vibrant theater scene, which Chopra actively enjoyed. After graduation, he moved to Bombay in the early 1960s, working in the circulation department of The Times of India due to his arts degree, while persistently trying to break into films by visiting studios.
Prem Chopra made his Bollywood debut in 1960 with the film Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh, starring Bharat Bhushan, but it was not successful. That same year, he appeared in the Punjabi film Chaudhary Karnail Singh opposite established star Jabeen Jalil; the film won a National Award and brought Prem recognition. However, he did not achieve notable success in Hindi films until 1964, aside from his Punjabi hits Karnail Singh and Sapni.
In 1964, he played Sukhdev in Shaheed, one of his rare positive leading roles, which became a hit. From 1965 to 1967, he showcased his versatility in successful films such as Sikandar E Azam, Nishan, Kunwari, Teesri Manzil, Mera Saaya, and Upkar. Following Teesri Manzil and Upkar, he became widely sought after as a villain. While continuing his job at The Times of India, he featured in box-office hits like Nishan and Sikandar E Azam in 1965, as well as Sagaai and Mera Saaya in 1966. He left The Times of India after Upkar in 1967. His fame as a villain spread throughout India when he starred alongside superstar Rajesh Khanna in Do Raaste. The Rajesh-Prem duo acted together in 19 films from 1969 to 1991's Ghar Parivaar.
In the acclaimed comedy film Hulchul (1971), he played the lead hero in a suspense thriller, not a villain. He was also the leading man in Kunwari (1966) and Samaj Ko Badal Dalo (1970). In the 1970 box-office hit Samaj Ko Badal Dalo, a small-budget comedy, he played the main lead opposite Tamil actresses Kanchana and Shardha. The song "Tum Apni Saheli Ko Itna Bata Do Ki Usse Koi Pyar Karne Laga Hai," sung by Rafi and picturized on Prem Chopra, remains popular. His peak period as a villain in Hindi films spanned from 1967 to 1991. After 1999, he appeared as a villain in very few films, gradually taking on more positive character roles from 1999 onward, with an increase from 2005, although his screen time decreased after that year.
Chopra considers his best roles and costumes to be in films such as Shaheed (1965), Sikandar-e-Azam (1965), Kunwari (1966), Upkaar (1967), Do Raaste (1969), Purab Aur Pachhim (1970), Kati Patang (1970), Keemat (1973), Ajanabee (1974), Prem Nagar (1974), Kaala Sona (1975), Mehbooba (1976), Do Anjaane (1976), Jaadu Tona (1977), Tyaag (1977), Dostana (1980), Kranti (1981), Souten, Oonche Log (1985), Phool Bane Angaarey (1991), and Bewaffa Se Waffa (1992). He played prominent positive roles in some films from the 1960s to the 1990s, including Shaheed, Kunwari, Samaj Ko Badal Dalo, Hulchul, Jadu Tona, and Prem Pratigya. After 1999, he appeared in positive roles in films like Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Koi Mil Gaya, Bunty Aur Babli, Virrudh, Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, Dhamaal, Rocket Singh, Delhi 6, and Daddy Cool.
Since 1967, Prem Chopra has been a leading villain in Hindi cinema. His dialogues "My name is Prem, Prem Chopra" from the film Bobby, and from Souten, "Mai wo bala hu jo sheshay se pathar ko todtee hai" ("I am that trouble which crushes stones with glass"), are extremely popular.
In 1969, Prem Chopra married Uma, the younger sister of Krishna Kapoor, Prem Nath, and Rajendranath. The couple has three daughters: Rakita, Punita, and Prerana.
