Prem Chopra is an actor in Hindi and Punjabi films. 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. He was brought up in Shimla. His father wanted him to be an IAS officer but Chopra pursued performing arts in College and graduated in arts from Punjab University. Shimla had a strong theater movement in the period 1957-1961 and Chopra reveled in it. He watched a lot of Hindi and English movies and, after graduation, came to Bombay in the early 1960s and joined the Times of India’s circulation department due to his art degree. Simultaneously, he kept visiting studios and tried to get a break in films.
Prem Chopra made his debut in Bollywood with the Bharat Bhushan-star Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh in 1960, which didn’t do well. In 1960 he got a Punjabi film Chaudhary Karnail Singh opposite established star Jabeen Jalil and the film won a National Award and got Prem noticed.
One of the most iconic villains of Bollywood, veteran actor Prem Chopra celebrates his 87th birthday today. His Dialogue “Mera Naam Hai Prem……Prem Chopra” is one of the most popular dialogues in the history of Hindi Films because of the spine-chilling cunningness in his voice. He is the master of portraying some of the vilest characters, making him one of the most popular villains on screen.
Best Movies of Prem Chopra
Do Anjane
‘Do Anjane’ featured Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha in lead roles and Bachchan won a Filmfare award for his role. Prem Chopra played the role of Ranjeet Malik and his performance was very much appreciated by the audience.
Kati Patang
‘Kati Patang’ was a golden jubilee film which was in cinemas for more than 50 weeks. Prem Chopra played the role of Kailash the villain and displayed his skills brilliantly in the movie as a bad boy.
Souten
This is the film where Prem Chopra delivered the iconic dialogue, “Main Woh Balaa Hoon, Jo Sheeshey Se Patthar Ko Todta Hoon.” The way Chopra delivered this dialogue made him one of the famous villains of the industry.
Trishul
It was a grand star cast movie and a complete entertainer. The story revolves around Vijay, played by Amitabh Bachchan, who waged a war against this illegitimate father. Prem Chopra plays the role of Balwant Rai and his cunning expressions made the character one of the most hated villains.
