Prem Chopra

An icon of Hindi cinema, Prem Chopra was born Sept. 23, 1935, in Lahore, Pakistan, and grew up in Shimla, India, where his family moved after the partition of India. Chopra attended Punjab University, where he originally studied medicine but then changed his focus after receiving accolades for his performances in numerous school plays.

After graduating, Chopra worked at the Times of India while he pursued a career in acting, appearing in small film roles. The classically handsome Chopra began his career playing leading men but soon found his niche portraying villains, allowing him to quit his day job.

In a career spanning five decades, Chopra has appeared in hundreds of films and received numerous Indian awards for his powerful performances. Notable films include Teesri Manzil (1966), Upkar, Gora Aur Kala, Woh Kaun Thi, Kati Patang, Himmat and Shaheed.

Filmography