Prem Chopra

Prem Chopra is one of Indian cinema’s most iconic actors, widely known for his memorable portrayals of villains throughout the golden era of Bollywood. Born on September 23, 1935, in Lahore, British India (now in Pakistan), Prem Chopra moved to India with his family after the Partition and settled in Shimla, where he completed his education at Punjab University. Originally interested in journalism and theatre, he soon realized his true calling lay in acting. He began his film career in the late 1950s, initially struggling to find significant roles. His breakthrough came with the 1967 film “Upkar”, where he played a negative role that brought him widespread recognition.

Known for his chilling dialogues and suave menace, Prem Chopra became the quintessential Bollywood villain of the 1970s and 1980s. His signature dialogue “Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra” from the film Bobby (1973) became a cultural catchphrase. He acted in over 380 films in a career spanning six decades, often cast opposite top heroes and heroines of the time. Despite his villainous image on screen, Prem Chopra is known off-screen as a gentleman and a soft-spoken person. His on-screen chemistry with actors like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rishi Kapoor was legendary, and he was often featured in films directed by big names like Manmohan Desai and Yash Chopra.

In addition to his roles as an antagonist, Prem Chopra occasionally played comic and character roles, displaying a wide acting range. He has received numerous accolades and lifetime achievement awards, honoring his invaluable contribution to Indian cinema. Even as newer generations of actors emerged, Prem Chopra remained a respected figure in the industry, admired for his professionalism and timeless screen presence.

He is married to Uma Chopra, the sister of legendary Bollywood actresses Krishna Kapoor (Raj Kapoor’s wife) and Prem Nath. They have three daughters, including Rakhi Vijan, who is also involved in television. Now semi-retired, Prem Chopra occasionally appears in films and public events, representing a generation of actors whose work shaped Bollywood’s legacy.