[tps_footer]“Prem Naam Hai Mera….Prem Chopra” That eternally well-recognised dialogue from Hindi films of yore belongs to one man alone- the meanest baddie in B’town, Prem Chopra!
The yesteryear villain, over the weekend, launched his biography titled, what else, but Prem Naam Hai Mera. And a host of Bollywood’s biggest celebrities showed up, to commemorate the momentous occasion.
Mega stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, among others, showed up to lend their support to Bollywood’s nicest off-screen villain. Chopra began his career in the early 1960’s, and played a villain predominantly throughout his career. His films like Shaheed, Daag, Doli, Ghar Pariwar, Souten and others went on to establish him as the villain of the times.
Even today, children have been frightened by his bad-man image. But Prem Chopra feels he’s done a good job in his career. At the launch, he said, “I was honest and hard working actor. I am happy with the kind of work I have done. I have no regrets. I am happy being a villain.”
Akshay Kumar officially launched Chopra’s biography, by cutting the ceremonial ribbon. The book is written by Chopra’s daughter Rakita Nanda, who was also present at the launch. Akshay Kumar said, “I was not aware about his ( Prem Chopra‘s) age till the time I read the book. He looks fit even today. It feels nice that a daughter has written this book. I wish even my daughter writes a biography on me.”
Also seen at the glitzy, star-studded event was Amitabh Bachchan, dressed in trademark white kurta-pyjama. Bachchan has been seen in many films alongside Prem Chopra, and he reminisced about his association with the veteran villain.
Bachchan said, “We have shared some wonderful moments together. I loved working with him. He is a very good actor.” Even yesteryear hero Manoj Kumar, who was present at the book launch, spoke fondly of Prem Chopra. “It feels nice that a book on him is launched. But my personal belief is that his talent was not tapped properly.”
Also seen at the launch were Jeetendra, Rakesh Roshan, Rishi Kapoor, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupama Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Boney Kapoor and Vipul Shah.[/tps_footer]
