Prem Chopra facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Prem Chopra
Prem Chopra in 2013
Born	(1935-09-23) 23 September 1935 (age 89) Lahore, Punjab, British India (present-day Punjab, Pakistan)
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1960–present
Spouse(s)	Uma Malhotra ​ (m. 1969)​
Children	3
Relatives	Sharman Joshi (son-in-law) Vikas Bhalla (son-in-law) Prem Nath (brother-in-law) Rajendra Nath (brother-in-law) Narendra Nath (brother-in-law) Raj Kapoor (co-brother-in-law)

Prem Chopra, born on September 23, 1935, is a famous Indian actor. He has appeared in over 380 Hindi movies. His acting career has lasted for more than 60 years.

Life and Early Years

Prem Chopra was born in Lahore on September 23, 1935. He was the third of six children in a Punjabi Hindu family. After India was divided, his family moved to Shimla. He grew up there and went to S.D. Senior Secondary School. His father hoped he would become a doctor or a government officer.

Prem Chopra finished his schooling and college in Shimla. His father, who worked for the government, was transferred there. Prem graduated from Panjab University. He loved taking part in plays during his college days. His father wanted him to finish his studies first. After graduating, Prem moved to Mumbai (then called Bombay).

Soon after he started his film career, his mother passed away. His younger sister, Anju, was then nine years old. His father and four brothers took care of her. Prem considers his sister like his first daughter.

Later, Prem married Uma Malhotra in 1969. Uma was the younger sister of famous film personalities like Krishna Kapoor (who was married to Raj Kapoor), Prem Nath, and Rajendranath. Prem and Uma have three daughters: Rakita, Punita, and Prerna. Rakita is married to Rahul Nanda, a film publicity designer. Punita owns a preschool and is married to actor Vikas Bhalla. Prerna is married to Bollywood actor Sharman Joshi. Prem Chopra lives in Mumbai and has seven grandchildren.

His daughter, Rakita Nanda, wrote a book about his life. It is called Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra. The book was released in April 2014.

Acting Career Highlights

Starting Out (1960–1967)

In Shimla, Prem Chopra became very interested in acting. He performed in many college plays. Even though his parents were against it, he went to Mumbai. He wanted to become an actor in Bollywood films. At first, he stayed in guest houses and visited film studios. But he did not get many acting offers.

To make a living in Mumbai, he took a job with The Times of India. He managed newspaper sales in different regions. This job required him to travel a lot. He would finish his trips quickly to have more time for auditions. One day, a stranger asked him if he wanted to join films. Prem agreed and went to Ranjit Studios. There, he got his first role as a hero in a Punjabi film called Chaudhary Karnail Singh. This movie was a love story set during the India-Pakistan partition. It became a big hit and won a National Film Award. He was paid Rs 2500 for this first movie.

While working at The Times of India, he also acted in other films. These included Punjabi films like Sapani and Hindi films like Woh Kaun Thi?, Shaheed, and Teesri Manzil. In Shaheed, he played a good guy, which was rare for him. He met actor Manoj Kumar on the set of Woh Kaun Thi?. Manoj Kumar then offered him the role in Shaheed. During the filming of Main Shadi Karne Chala, someone suggested he try playing a villain. He continued to work for The Times of India even after acting in hit films. After the movies Teesri Manzil and Upkaar, he started getting many offers to play villains. In 1967, after Upkaar, he left his job to focus only on acting.

Becoming a Top Villain (1969–1995)

From 1967 onwards, Prem Chopra became a leading villain in Hindi films. His most active period as a main villain was from 1967 to 1995. In the 1970s, he often played villain roles alongside actors like Sujit Kumar and Ranjeet. Sometimes, he was a secondary villain to other famous villains like Ajit, Pran, and Amrish Puri.

He played the main hero in the comedy film Hulchul (1971). He also starred as the lead in the 1970 hit comedy Samaj Ko Badal Dalo. Songs from his films, like "Tum Apni Saheli Ko Itna Bata Do" and "Rah Mein Kaliya," are still popular.

One of his most famous lines is "Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra" (My name is Prem, Prem Chopra). This line is from the film Bobby. Another well-known dialogue is from Souten: "Main wo bala hoon jo sheeshe se pathar ko todta hu" (I am that trouble which crushes stones with glass).

Prem Chopra often played villain roles in movies starring Rajesh Khanna. They worked together in 19 films, and 15 of them were big hits. They were also close friends in real life. Prem Chopra once said that distributors would ask if he was in a film with Rajesh Khanna because they were considered a lucky pair.

He often played the son of the villainous character played by Ajit in films like Azaad. In the late 1980s, he sometimes played a smaller villain role to Amrish Puri. However, in most films from 1969 to 1991, Prem Chopra was the main villain. He was also the main villain in all films starring Manoj Kumar from Upkar (1967) to Santosh (1989).

He was often paired with actress Bindu in films. Some of these include Kati Patang, Do Raaste, and Daag. Unlike other villains, Prem Chopra's characters did not rely on fancy gadgets or many henchmen. His evil roles were often more about his cunning personality.

Later Career (1996–Present)

After 1996, Prem Chopra appeared as a villain in fewer films. He started taking on more positive character roles in 1996. By 2007, he was getting more good-guy roles. His screen time in films became less after 2007.

Prem Chopra believes his best roles were in films like Shaheed (1965) and Upkaar (1967). He also liked his performances in the 19 films he did with Rajesh Khanna. He said that these films showed different sides of his villainous acting. When asked how he stayed in films for so long, he explained that his hero roles did not work out. But becoming a villain opened up many more opportunities for him.

Filmography

1960s Films

• Chaudhary Karnail Singh (1960) as Shera (Punjabi movie)
• Hum Hindustani (1960)
• Dr Vidya (1962)
• Main Shadi Karne Chala (1962)
• Aeh Dharti Punjab Di (1963) (Punjabi Movie)
• Sapni (1963) (Punjabi movie)
• Woh Kaun Thi? (1964) as Ramesh
• Nishan (1965)
• Poonam Ki Raat (1965) as Peter
• Shaheed (1965)
• Sikandar E Azam (1965)
• Mera Saaya (1966) as Daku Suryavar Singh / Ranjit
• Kunwari (1966)
• Sagaai (1966) as Kailash
• Teesri Manzil (1966) as Ramesh
• Aamne – Saamne (1967)
• Latt Saheb (1967)
• Upkar (1967) as Puran 'Kumar'
• Duniya (1968) as Mohanchand
• Haye Mera Dil (1968)
• Jhuk Gaya Aasman (1968) as Prem Kumar Saxena
• Anjaana (1969) as Ramesh
• Doli (1969) as Prem
• Do Raaste (1969) as Birju Gupta
• Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati (1969) as Ajit Choudhury
• Pardesan as Raj (Punjabi Movie)
• Waris (1969) as Ravi/ Ram Kumar#2

1970s Films

• Himmat (1970) as Boss
• Jawab (1970) as Sagar (Zamindar's Son)
• Kati Patang (1970) as Kailash
• Pagla Kahin Ka (1970) as Shyam
• Prem Pujari (1970) as Bilkish Mohammad (Billy)
• Purab Aur Paschim (1970) as O.P Omkar
• Samaj Ko Badal Dalo (1970) as Shyam
• Yaadgaar (1970)
• Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee (1971) as Kumar
• Dastaan (1972) as Rajan
• Haré Raama Haré Krishna (1971) as Dronacharya
• Hulchul (1971) as Mahesh Jetley # 1
• Lagan (1971)
• Pyar Ki Kahani (1971) as Banke
• Apradh (1972) as Harnam Khanna
• Be-Imaan (1972) as Deepak Das
• Gora Aur Kala (1972) as Shamsher Singh
• Raja Jani (1972) as Pratap Bahadur Singh
• Raaste Kaa Patthar (1972) as Ranjeet Choudhry
• Ajanabee (1974) as Motibabu
• Benaam (1974) as Kishanlal
• Bobby (1973) as Prem Chopra
• Chhupa Rustam (1973) as Bahadur Singh
• Daag: A Poem of Love (1973) as Dheeraj Kapoor
• Gehri Chaal (1973) as Madan
• Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973) as Pratap
• Jugnu (1973) as Ramesh
• Keemat (1973) as Shaktiman
• Nafrat (1973)
• Jab Andhera Hota Hai (1974)
• Pocket Maar (1974) as Madan Malhotra
• Prem Nagar (1974) as Shamsher Singh
• Vachan (1974)
• Bairaag (1976) as Kunwar Pratap Singh
• Barood (1976)
• Do Anjaane (1976)
• Do Jasoos (1975) as Prem Chopra
• Do Jhoot (1975) as Shailesh
• Kaala Sona (1975) as Poppy Singh
• Lagaaam (1976)
• Maha Chor (1976)
• Mehbooba (1976) as Appa
• Raaja (1975)
• Sanyasi (1975) as Banwari
• Adha (1977)
• Adha Din Adhi Raat (1977)
• Azaad (1978)
• Darling Darling (1977)
• Des Pardes (1978)
• Dil Aur Deewar (1978)
• Dildaar (1977)
• Do Musafir (1978)
• Dream Girl (1977)
• Immaan Dharam (1977)
• Jadu Tona (1977)
• Jagriti (1977)
• Kasum Khoon Ki (1977)
• Paapi (1977)
• Phandebaaz (1978)
• Thief of Baghdad (1977)
• Trishul (1978)
• Tyaag (1977)
• Bebus (1979)
• Jhoota Kahin Ka (1979)
• Kaala Patthar (1979)
• The Great Gambler (1979)

1980s Films

• Aanchal (1980)
• Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980)
• Dhan Daulat (1980)
• Dostana (1980)
• Lootmaar (1980)
• Nishana (1980)
• Ram Balram (1980)
• Saboot (1980)
• Aas Paas (1981)
• Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (1981)
• Kranti (1981)
• Naseeb (1981)
• Sansani: The Sensation (1981)
• Shakka (1981)
• Desh Premee (1982)
• Do Dishayen (1982)
• Farz Aur Kanoon (1982)
• Gopichand Jasoos (1982)
• Haathkadi (1982)
• Jaanwar (1983)
• Khud-Daar (1982)
• Raksha (1982)
• Sawaal (1982)
• Andha Kanoon (1983)
• Bandhan Kuchchey Dhaagon Ka (1983)
• Betaab (1983)
• Daulat Ke Dushman (1983)
• Mawaali (1983)
• Prem Tapasya (1983)
• Pukar (1983)
• Souten (1983)
• Awaaz (1984)
• Duniya (1984)
• Ghar Ek Mandir (1984)
• Maqsad (1984)
• Manzil Manzil (1984)
• Ram Tera Desh (1984)
• Teri Bahon Mein (1984)
• 3D Saamri (1985)
• Aaj Ka Daur (1985)
• Arjun (1985)
• Bhavani Junction (1985)
• Bond 303 (1985)
• Haqeeqat (1985)
• Kali Basti (1985)
• Mard (1985)
• Oonche Log (1985)
• Ram Tere Kitne Nam (1985)
• Sarfarosh (1985)
• Sitamgar (1985)
• Telephone (1985)
• Avinash (1986)
• Ilzaam (1986)
• Nagina (1986)
• Preeti (1986)
• Saveray Wali Gaadi (1986)
• Shatru (1986)
• Swarag Se Sunder (1986)
• Waapsi (1986)
• Charnon Ki Saugandh (1988)
• Hawalaat (1987)
• Hiraasat (1987)
• Hukumat (1987)
• Insaf Ki Pukar (1987)
• Kalyug Aur Ramayan (1987)
• Mahaveera (1988)
• Majaal (1987)
• Mard Ki Zabaan (1987)
• Mera Muqaddar (1988)
• Mera Shikar (1988)
• Shahenshah (1988)
• Shukriyaa (1988)
• Watan Ke Rakhwale (1987)
• Abhimanyu (1989)
• Aakhri Badla (1989)
• Clerk (1989)
• Dana Paani (1989)
• Daata (1989)
• Dav Pech (1989)
• Garibon Ka Daata (1989)
• Gharana (1989)
• Gunahon Ka Faisla (1988)
• Indira (1989)
• Joshilaay (1989)
• Jung Baaz (1989)
• Kanoon Ka Harz (1989)
• Kanoon Ki Awaaz (1989)
• Mitti Aur Sona (1989)
• Paanch Paapi (1989) as Chaudhary Raghuveer Singh
• Rakhwala (1989)
• Sachché Ká Bol-Bálá (1989)
• Sagar Sangam (1988)
• Santosh (1989)
• Sikka (1989)

1990s Films

• Aag Ka Gola (1990)
• Atishbaz (1990)
• Azaad Desh Ke Gulam (1990)
• Doodh Ka Karz / Upkar Dudhache (1990)
• Kali Ganga (1990)
• Majboor (1990)
• Paap Ki Kamaee (1990)
• Police Public (1990)
• Aaj Ka Goonda Raj (1992)
• Bewaffa Se Waffa (1992)
• Ghar Parivaar (1991)
• Ghar Jamai (1992) as Sadhuram
• Insaaf Ka Khoon (1991)
• Khel (1992)
• Khiladi (1992)
• Mast Kalandar (1991)
• Mere Sajana Saath Nibhana (1992)
• Phool Bane Angaarey (1991)
• Princess from Kathmandu (1991)
• Tahalka (1992)
• Tyagi (1992)
• Veerta (1991)
• Virodhi (1992)
• Aaja Meri Jaan (1993)
• Aao Pyaar Karen (1994)
• Aasoo Bane Angaarey (1993)
• Betaaj Badshah (1994)
• Brahma (1994)
• Cheetah (1994)
• Gopalaa (1994)
• Insaniyat (1994)
• Izzat Ki Roti (1993)
• Jaagruti (1993)
• Kshatriya (film) (1993)
• Laadla (1994)
• Phool Aur Angaar (1993)
• Prem Deewane (1992)
• Prem Yog (1994)
• Raja Babu (1994)
• Santaan (1993)
• The Law (1994)
• Yaar Gaddar (1994)
• 15th August (1993) as Home Minister Bhurelal Nagpal
• Ab Insaf Hoga (1995)
• Ahankaar (1995)
• Aashique Mastane (1995)
• Aazmayish (1995)
• Andaz (1995 TV Series)
• Diya Aur Toofan (1995)
• The Don (1995)
• God and Gun (1995)
• Jallaad (1995)
• Jawab (1995)
• Raghuveer (1995) as Sevak Ram
• Saajan Ki Baahon Mein (1995)
• Zamaana Deewana (1995)
• Bhai Bhai (1997)
• Daanveer (1996)
• Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge! (1998)
• Dulhe Raja (1998)
• Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997)
• Hatya Kaand (1998)
• Hindustan Ki Kasam (1999)
• Hote Hote Pyar Hogaya (1999)
• Hum Hain Premi (1996)
• Iski Topi Uske Sarr (1998)
• Jai Hind (1999)
• Jodidar (1997)
• Kaun Rokega Mujhe (1997)
• Lal Baadshah (1999)
• Lo Main Aa Gaya (1999)
• Maharaja (1998)
• Mera Hindustan (1996)
• Military Raaj (1998)
• Namak (1996)
• Prem Granth (1996)
• Return of Jewel Thief (1996)
• Sapoot (1996)
• Sikander (1996 Video)
• Udaan (1997)
• Zulm-O-Sitam (1998)
• Anari No.1 (1999)
• Baadshah (1999)

2000s Films

• Agniputra (2000)
• Beti No. 1 (2000)
• Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (2001)
• C.I.D. (TV series) (2001)
• Tera Mera Saath Rahen (2001)
• Dil Pardesi Ho Gayaa (2003)
• Dhund: The Fog (2003)
• Koi... Mil Gaya (2003)
• Pyar Ki Dhun (2002)
• Hum Kaun Hai ? (2004)
• Mysteries Shaque (2004)
• Shikaar (2004)
• Woh Tera Naam Tha (2004)
• Bunty Aur Babli (2005)
• Khullam Khulla Pyaar Karen (2005)
• Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara (2005)
• Mr Prime Minister (2005)
• Ssukh (2005)
• Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! (2005)
• Viruddh... Family Comes First (2005)
• Bold (2006)
• Saawan... The Love Season (2006)
• Umar (2006)
• Broken Thread (2007)
• Buddha Mar Gaya (2007)
• Dhamaal (2007)
• Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute to Love (2007)
• Undertrial (2007)
• Daddy Cool (2009)
• Delhi-6 (2009)
• Humsey Hai Jahaan (2008)
• Khushboo (2008)
• Money Hai Toh Honey Hai (2008)
• Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009)
• World Cupp 2011 (2009)

2010s Films

• Dharti (Punjabi) (2011)
• Golmaal 3 (2010)
• Loot (2011)
• Love U...Mr. Kalakaar! (2011)
• Mirch (2010)
• Patiala House (2011)
• Agent Vinod (2012)
• Challo Driver (2012)
• Delhi Safari (Voice) (2012)
• Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron (2011)
• Power Cut (Punjabi) (2012)
• 18.11: A Code of Secrecy (2014)
• Disco Singh (Punjabi) (2014)
• Honour Killing (2014)
• I Love NY (2015)
• Chidiya Ghar (TV series) (2016)
• Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai (2017)
• Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi (2017)
• Line of Descent (2019)
• Rangeela Raja (2019)
• Udanchhoo (2018)

2020s Films

• Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2021)
• Animal (2023)
• Showtime (TV series) (2024)

Awards and Recognition

Prem Chopra has received several awards for his acting:

• In 1971, he was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Himmat.
• In 1976, he won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film Do Anjaane.
• He was also nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Mehbooba in 1976.
• In 2004, he received the Legend of Indian Cinema Award in Atlantic City.
• He was honored with a "Lifetime Achievement Award" by the Giants.
• He has also received a Lions Club Award, Ashoka Award, Ashirwad Award, and the "Punjabi Kala Sangam Award."
• In 2023, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award at the 68th Filmfare Awards.