Famous Network of Actors with Similar Net Worth
What Movie Awards did Prem Chopra win?
 Oscar |
 Golden Globe |
 Golder Raspberry |
 BAFTA |
 Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Prem Chopra roles
| Movie / Series | Role |
|---|---|
| Bride & Prejudice | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Koi... Mil Gaya | Harbans Saxena |
| C.I.D. | Rohit 2 episodes, 2001 |
| The Kapil Sharma Show | Self 1 episode, 2017 |
Prem Chopra: The Face of Bollywood Villains
Prem Chopra is a name that Bollywood fans cannot forget when talking about the iconic villains of Hindi Cinema. Known for his baritone voice and distinguished mannerisms, he has been a part of over 300 films in his career spanning 50 years. With a net worth of $50 million, Chopra is one of the wealthiest actors in India, having made a name for himself with his outstanding performances as negative characters.
Career and Films of Prem Chopra
Born in Lahore in September 1935 when India was still under British rule, Chopra opted to enter the Indian film industry. He started acting in Punjabi and Hindi movies in the early 60s and since then has acted in countless films. He initially struggled to get main roles in films, but his roles as villains were becoming more and more prominent as cinema goers were showing a special interest in him.
Chopra got his breakthrough with “Shaheed”, a historical movie that released in 1965. He impressed filmmakers and audiences with his confidence and captivating acting skills. There was no turning back after that, and he went on to act in legendary films like “Teesri Manzil”, “Upkaar”, “Madhumati”, “Dus Numbri”, “T-Blood Money”, “Dharma Karma”, “Nagin”, “Prem Pujari”, “Deewar” and so on.
Director Raj Khosla gave Chopra “Mera Saaya” after actor Rehman refused to play the role of Dr.Saxena. The song “Jhumka Gira Re” from that film, picturised on Sadhana, went on to become one of the most popular hit songs of that era. It played such pivotal roles in Chopra’s career and in the history of Bollywood that even satirical shows like “Comedy Nights with Kapil” paid tribute to his iconic on-screen personality.
The Early Life and Education of Prem Chopra
Prem Chopra’s father was a government servant, which made it difficult for him to finance his son’s education. Chopra studied in an English school until his Intermediate but dropped out of college because of financial issues and joined a theatre company instead. His family was initially against his decision, but he worked hard and proved himself. Eventually, they apologized and supported him like never before.
Achievements and Awards
Chopra acted in over 300 films, thus creating a benchmark for his co-stars. In recognition of his brilliant performances in films, he won many awards, including the well-deserved Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for “Do Anjaane” in 1976. This was followed by the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, Giants International Award, Lion’s Club’s Best Actor Award and many others.
In addition to acting in films, Chopra also became a TV star with his popular show “Prem Naam Hai Mera”. It became so successful that it was extended twice. Chopra frequently gave his opinion on life situations, sharing memorable stories from his life in the process. He authored an autobiography named “Prem Naam Hai Mera” which gave insights into Chopra’s personal life and journey in the film industry.
Final Thoughts
Prem Chopra was a brilliant actor and a game-changer for the Hindi film industry. His charisma and incredible talent paved the way for many actors after him who played negative roles in Indian cinema. Though he is mostly known for his villainous persona on the screen, he was a kind-hearted person who sincerely loved his work and had a massive impact on Bollywood.
Interesting Facts about Prem Chopra
- Hindi movie star of the 70s and 80s.
- Father-in-law of Sharman Joshi.
- Father in law to Vikas Bhalla.
- Brother in law to Raj Kapoor. Chopra's wife is the younger sister of Raj Kapoors wife Krishna.
- He continued working with TOI, when already he was part of box-office hits like Nishan, Bahu Beti ,Sikandar E Azam in 1965 and Sagaai, Mera Saaya in 1966.Before joining TOI he had done the Punjabji films National Award winning Chaudhary Karnail Singh and later Sapni(1963) - both of which were successful and flops like Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh , Poonam Ki Raat, Main Shadi Karne Chala ,Dr. Vidya.
- Prem Chopra married Uma, who is the younger sister of Krishna Kapoor, Prem-Nath and Rajendranath., in 1969 and they have three daughters: Rakita, Punita and Prerana.
- Prem Chopra was born in Lahore and brought up in Shimla. His father wanted him to be a doctor or be an IAS officer, but Chopra pursued Bachelors in arts in College and graduated from Punjab University.
- A Bachelor's degree in arts fetched Prem Chopra a job in circulation department at "Times of India" in the early 60's at Bombay. Simultaneously, he kept visiting studios and tried to get a break in films.
- In 1961, he finally got his break in a Punjabi film Chaudhary Karnail Singh , which won a National Award and got Prem the recognition he wanted. He then gave a commendable performance in another Punjabi film Sapni (1963).
- Prem Chopra made his debut in Bollywood with the Bharat Bhushan-starer Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh in 1960, which didn't do well.
- In Raj Khosla's Woh Kaun Thi (1964), starring Sadhna and Manoj Kumar in lead roles, Chopra gave an enthralling performance and this was turning point in his career.
- After Who Kaun Thi, he also gave excellent performances in Prithviraj Kapoor starer Sikandar E Azam (1965), Manoj Kumar's Shaheed (1965) and Teesri Manzil (1966).
- Prem did not consider acting as a full time profession in the early 60's and he kept trying to get roles for him in films due to his passion for acting. Prem had done 6 movies before Woh Kaun Thi, a box-office hit of 1964, had released.Those 6 movies included 2 Punjabi hit films Chaudhry Karnail Singh and Sapni and rest 4 flop Hindi films.
- It was on sets of Woh Kaun Thi which had Manoj Kumar as lead hero where Prem met Manoj for the very first time. Manoj offered Prem a positive role in Shaheed, for which Manoj was the presenter.
- Prem has since 1966 been a leading villain in Hindi films and his peak period as main villain in Hindi films was from 1967-1994. In 70's he got plum roles as a villain often with Sujith Kumar and Ranjeet.
- Prem Chopra's daughter Punita is married to actor Vikas Bhalla while Prerana Chopra is married to actor Sharman Joshi and Rakita is married to publicity designer Rahul Nanda.
- Prem Chopra regards his best roles were in Chopra regards his best roles and costumes were in Shaheed (1965), Sikander-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(1983), Oonche Log (1985), Phool Bane Angaarey (1991), Bewaffa Se Waffa(1992).
- After the partition of India, his family moved to Shimla, where he was brought up. His father desired that Prem be a doctor or otherwise a Indian Administrative officer.
- Prem Chopra was born to a Hindu Punjabi family in Lahore on 23 September 1935 to Ranbirlal and Rooprani Chopra. He was the third of six children. His father worked at the attorney-general's office.
- Prem Chopra represented India as Grand Marshall in Chicago on August 15th, 1993 during the Independence Day Parade. There he was honored by the Chicago Mayor as the 'Honarary Citizen of Chicago' and felicitated by the Federation of Indian Association with an award for outstanding contribution to humanitarian causes and enriching the Indian community in India and abroad.
