A strong villain or antagonist is a crucial part of a film. Bollywood’s iconic villain Prem Chopra’s on-screen roles were so good that people used to hide their wives when they saw him walk past. This villain has some iconic dialogues but his most popular line is, “Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra (My name is Prem, Prem Chopra).” Today, as the actor turns 89, let’s take a look at his life and career in films. Prem Chopra was the third of six children of Ranbir Lal and Rooprani Chopra. Born on September 23, 1935, in Lahore, Prem and his family moved to Shimla after Partition. When Prem was studying, his father wanted him to become a doctor, but he was drawn to films and dreamed of going to Mumbai and trying his luck in films. In an old interview, Prem revealed how his father responded to his wishes: “When I came to Bombay from Shimla, my father said, I don’t want to be a hindrance, but I want you to know that acting is not a secure profession, so you will have to get a job if you want to go to Bombay”.
Prem took his father’s suggestion seriously, and after reaching Bombay, he got a job in the circulation department of Times of India. Prem was in charge of Bengal, Odisha and Bihar and had to travel for 20 days a month. Prem managed to reduce his touring time by calling his agents, who picked him up right at the railway station so that he could return quickly. A tour that would normally last 20 days could be completed in 12 days, and Prem spent the rest of the time going from one studio to another. His boss understood his dreams and supported him.
In the same interview, Prem revealed that it was during one such train journey that he was offered his first Punjabi film, Chaudhary Karnail Singh, as a lead actor. Reportedly, Prem Chopra was paid Rs 2,500 for the film. Before Chaudhary Karnail Singh was released, he lost his mother. Prem’s mother had oral cancer, and unfortunately, she never got to see his son on screen.
Chaudhary Karnail Singh was a huge hit and also won a National Award for Best Feature Film in Punjabi. After this film, Prem started receiving offers from Bollywood. The Bharat Bhushan-starrer Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh was Prem’s debut film in Bollywood. Except for Shaheed, his early films in which he played positive characters failed. Prem did not give up on his job, even after his entry into films. While working on Main Shadi Karne Chala, someone suggested that he play a villain and he took the suggestion seriously.
Prem continued working for The Times of India when he had already acted in blockbusters like Nishan, Sikandar E Azam (1965) and Sagaai, Mera Saaya (1966). After Teesri Manzil and Upkaar, he was inundated with films as a villain. After Upkaar in 1967, he left The Times of India to concentrate solely on acting.
Prem’s outstanding performances in Teesri Manzil, Upkaar and Bobby instilled fear of him in the audience.
In his 60-year career, Prem has done over 380 films. He holds the record of playing the main antagonist in 19 of Rajesh Khanna’s films. The 88-year-old actor was last seen in Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal.
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