One of Bollywood's most iconic villains, Prem Chopra, has completed 60 years in the film industry. On the eve of the release of his latest film Udanchhoo, Chopra talks about his journey so far and fond memories, at his home at Nibbana, Pali Hill, Mumbai.
Chopra started his career in Mumbai with the circulation department of Times Of India in the sixties. Since his job would mostly keep him outdoors, it was easy for him to meet producers and directors while he was out for work. Initially he didn’t get much response but his first Punjabi film Chaudhary Karnail Singh did well and he thought it better to take up whatever acting assignments he gets. Dr. Vidya and Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh were another assignments which didn't bring him much good. During this time, Chopra met Mehboob Khan who promised to launch him after Son of India but that, too, didn’t really work out. He continued his struggle and in 1964, he played a negative character in Woh Kaun Thi?. This is what got him the much-needed attention. The good part was Chopra befriended director Raj Khosla who repeated him in many films like Do Raaste.
After Shaheed in which Chopra played the role of Sukhdev, he was offered Upkar and this was the turning point in his life says Chopra. After this, he resigned from his regular job. By this time actor Manoj Kumar had become a close friend and Chopra ended up doing 16 films with him.
With Dev Anand
Chopra feels lucky that he had the chance to work with four generation of Kapoors from Prithviraj Kapoor to Kareena. Working with Shammi Kapoor was fun in Latt Saheb, Pagla Kahin Ka and Teesri Manzil which was a super hit, Chopra recalled .Incidentally he is also related to Kapoors as his wife Uma is the younger sister of Krishna Raj Kapoor.
Chopra feels indebted to Manoj Kumar whom he met early in his career, who gave him such roles which established him as a versatile actor. Films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Kranti went on to become huge hits.
Chopra insists the key to his success is his dedication, determination, discipline, devotion and desire to be the best. The other reason is he doesn’t believe in camps. Actor Dev Anand with whom he worked in 10 films gave him a mantra—no amount of friendship will help you, so concentrate on your hard work only. I stuck to his advice says Chopra.
Talking about his journey Chopra says it would be incomplete without mentioning Dilip Kumar with whom he did four films. “I was a great admirer of Dilip Kumar and would watch every film of his. When my father finally gave me the permission to become an actor he said now that you have decided to be an actor then make sure you model yourself on Dilip Kumar.” Chopra fondly remembers the days he worked with Dharmendra with whom he did almost 30 films, and Rajesh Khanna with whom he worked in 17 films. “Amitabh Bachchan's contribution to the film industry is immense. We worked in 24 films,” he says.
In his latest outing, Udanchhoo, a comedy entertainer, Chopra plays the role of a godman whom everyone worships. He feels his dialogue will become really popular where he says: “Saalon, nikammon mujhe 48 saal lag gaye Prem Chopra se swamy banne main aur tum mujhe phir se Prem Chopra bana dena chahte ho?”
