Prem Chopra

Biography:

Prem Chopra, born on September 23, 1935, is an Indian actor known for his work in Hindi and Punjabi movies. He has an impressive filmography of 380 films, spanning a remarkable career that has lasted for over six decades.

What sets him apart is his unique ability to maintain a soft-spoken manner of speaking, even when playing the role of a villain in most of his movies. Notably, his performances as the antagonist alongside Rajesh Khanna in 19 films have left a lasting impact and continue to be cherished by both audiences and critics.

Prem Chopra, born on September 23, 1935, in Lahore into a Punjabi Hindu family, was the third of six children born to Ranbir Lal and Rooprani Chopra. Following the partition of India, his family relocated to Shimla, where he grew up. Despite his father’s desire for him to become a doctor or join the Indian Administrative Services, Prem completed his schooling and college in Shimla, graduating from Panjab University.

He was actively involved in college dramatics. Tragedy struck when his mother was diagnosed with mouth cancer, and she passed away, leaving his nine-year-old sister Anju under the care of their father and four other brothers.

Prem Chopra later ventured into the film industry in Bombay (now Mumbai). He married Uma, the younger sister of well-known siblings Krishna Kapoor (wife of Raj Kapoor), Prem Nath, and Rajendranath. They have three daughters: Rakita, Punita, and Prerna. Chopra became estranged from two of his brothers in the late 1980s due to property disputes and misunderstandings.

Despite facing challenges, he has had a successful career in the film industry and resides in Mumbai. His biography, “Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra,” authored by his daughter Rakita Nanda, was published in April 2014.