Bollywood legend Prem Chopra is known for his iconic villain roles, recovering at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after a minor health scare (Photo: File)
The man who defines villainy in Hindi cinema, Prem Chopra is a towering figure that has stood tall in Bollywood for over six decades.
With his signature dialogue, "Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra," this veteran actor has worked in more than 380 films, defining an era of unforgettable negative roles. At 90, the actor, who celebrated his birthday recently, was reportedly admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai owing to health complications, as stated by reports.
Born on September 23, 1935, in Lahore, which was then part of British India, Prem Chopra spent his growing years in Shimla after Partition. A graduate from Panjab University, he started his career with journalism before entering the cinematic world.
His love for theater and drama brought him to Bombay, where he started his acting career in Hindi films during the early 1960s. In no time, Chopra became a household name in Bollywood, usually playing the role of a suave, menacing villain who left an indelible mark on the psyche of audiences.
Reports suggest that Prem Chopra was admitted under Dr. Nitin Gokhale's supervision to the Lilavati Hospital. He was found to be suffering from a heart condition along with a viral and lung infection. However, his family has said that his condition is stable. His son-in-law, actor Vikas Bhalla, told the media that the procedure is routine and age-related, asking fans to not be alarmed.
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Prem Chopra was born to Ranbirlal and Rooprani Chopra, the third of six siblings and he has always credited his close-knit Punjabi family for keeping him grounded through his career.
This veteran actor is married to Uma Chopra, the younger sister of Krishna Kapoor, wife of Raj Kapoor. The marriage connected him with one of the most famous families in Hindi cinema.
The couple has three daughters Rakita, Punita and Prerna. Rakita is married to film designer Rahul Nanda, Punita to actor-singer Vikas Bhalla and Prerna to actor Sharman Joshi.
The remarkable filmography of Prem Chopra includes Shaheed in 1965, Upkar in 1967; Bobby, 1973, Do Anjaane in 1976 and Kranti in 1981. He was a household name by adding depth to negative roles. In later years, he seamlessly transitioned into character and comic roles and commanded respect across generations.
With a career spanning over 60 years, the net worth of Prem Chopra is estimated to be around $50 million. His legacy has been cemented by consistency, discipline, and an abiding passion for cinema that motivates young actors down his line.
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Disclaimer: All information is based on media and hospital reports. Readers are advised to wait for official confirmation from the family or medical sources.
