In Bollywood, there are villains, and then there is a suave, calculating antagonist - Prem Chopra. For almost six decades, Prem Chopra has worked in Hindi cinema, creating an unforgettable screen identity, especially as a villain.
Over the years, he has appeared in hundreds of movies, including Upkar, Do Raaste, Kati Patang, Bobby, Kranti, Dostana, and Purab Aur Paschim, and became Hindi cinema’s most recognisable villain.
His famous dialogue ‘Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra’ from Bobby (1973) is still remembered.
However, when Prem Chopra’s career was at peak in the 1970s, his name was found in reports concerning legal complaints in Jaipur.
Prem Chopra Was Named In A Cheating Case In Jaipur
In November 2011, The Times of India reported that a Jaipur court had directed the Subash Chowk police station to register a complaint of cheating and criminal conspiracy against five people, including Prem Chopra.
The complaint was filed by Waseem Khan. He alleged that he applied for an acting job in an upcoming film in response to a newspaper advertisement by Saleem Productions. He was then asked to come to Mumbai and pay money in advance to secure the opportunity. As per reports, Waseem paid ₹3.5 lakh.
Another report from Hindustan Times stated that Waseem further alleged that the promised acting job did not materialise and the money paid was not returned to him. He also alleged that Prem Chopra was a part of the conspiracy and represented the other accused as ‘genuine’ during a meeting.
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The Times of India reported that the court asked the police to lodge a complaint against Salim K K from Saleem Productions, Radha Keswani, Rakesh Pandey, Sujata Bakshi and Prem Chopra under Section 420 and Section 156(3) of the CrPC.
Following the initial registration of the complaint, the Subhash Chowk Police Station investigation found no active participation or criminal intent by Prem Chopra.
As a result, the legal proceedings did not result in any conviction or formal charge sheet against the actor and ultimately fizzled out.
(Image Credit: Instagram @prem_chopra_official)
ALSO READ: Dharmendra And Prem Chopra: The Iconic Duo That Dominated The Box Office With 10 Blockbusters
Prem Chopra’s Rise To Stardom And Iconic Antagonist Roles
When Prem Chopra arrived in Bombay in the early 1960s, he dreamt of becoming a hero. Instead, he became one of the most recognisable villains of Hindi cinema. Chopra made his acting debut with Chaudhary Karnail Singh in 1960.
His breakthrough came with Wo Kaun Thi? (1964), when he took up a negative role. The film was a success, which brought him into the spotlight. Prem Chopra then did several films with grey and negative roles. In 1967, Manoj Kumar’s Upkar defined Chopra’s breakthrough in Bollywood.
In later years, Prem Chopra worked in films such as Bunty Aur Babli, Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, Golmaal 3, and Animal. He adapted by taking on diverse roles.
Which of his roles is your favourite?
FAQs
Q1. How many villain roles did Prem Chopra do?
A1. Prem Chopra played negative and villainous roles in a large majority of his over 380 total films spanning a six-decade career.
Q2. What is Prem Chopra's most iconic role?
A2. Prem Chopra's most iconic role is as Premnath in the 1973 film Bobby, which birthed his famous dialogue, ‘Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra.’