Yash Chopra
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Biographical details
Name at birth: Yash Raj Chopra
Born: September 27, 1932 in Lahore
Died: October 21, 2012 in Mumbai
His major films
Yash Chopra's Top 10 films in Bollywood
Yash Chopra - the man who taught us the meaning of romance and unconditional love. He is called the king of romance and his career has spanned over five decades and over 50 films. Chopra has won several film awards, including six National Film Awards and eleven Filmfare awards including four Filmfare Award for Best Director. Here, we list down the Top 10 films made by the legendary filmmaker. He gave us some path-breaking films like Deewar, Daag, Lamhe, Darr, Dil To Pagal Hai, Silsila, Kabhi Kabhie and many more. Here we list some of the most memorable films made by the legendary filmmaker.
Deewar: Deewar released in 1975 is one of director Yash Chopra's most accomplished works. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi, Nirupa Roy and Neetu Singh, Deewar was a tale of two brothers on opposite sides of the law. If 1973's Zanjeer introduced Amitabh as the angry young man, Deewar brought him in the limelight. The story about two brothers was a ground-breaking film and also received the Filmfare Best Film Award of 1975 in addition to 6 other awards and was a super hit.
Silsila: The Bollywood film released in 1981 was directed by Yash Chopra. Though the movie didn't do well at the box-office, it has achieved a cult status among the Indian audience. In a conversation with Shah Rukh Khan on the occasion of Yash Chopra's 80th birthday, Yashji had revealed that for his hit film Silsila he had initially chosen to cast Smita Patil and Parveen Babi alongside Amitabh Bachchan instead of Jaya Bachchan and Rekha. However, it was changed later. Yash Chopra said, "It was Amitji who asked me if I was happy... content with the casting (Smita Patil, Parveen Babi and Amitabh Bachchan) and do I feel it is the ideal cast. I told him I wanted to cast him, Jayaji and Rekha. He took a long pause and told me that he was fine with the decision but asked me to convince the two actresses," he said. This is how the ideal cast for the film was locked.
Daag: Yash Chopra not only directed this film but also made his debut as a producer with this film that laid the foundation of Yash Raj Films. The film is an adaptation of the novel The Mayor of Caster Bridge. Daag is the story of a man convicted of murder, on the run from the law. The film was made keeping in mind Rajesh Khanna's huge fan following and it was a super hit at the box-office. The Government of India honoured Yash with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005 for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Trishul redefined Amitabh Bachchan as Indian cinema's angry young man. One of the most intense films directed by Yash Chopra and produced by Gulshan Rai in 1978, the film was written by Salim-Javed and had some of the biggest stars of that time like Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Rakhee, Hema Malini and Waheeda Rehman. The film was full of romance, action, thrill and lots of drama. Trishul went ahead to write a new success story at the box-office.
Kala Patthar: It is an Indian Bollywood action/drama film. Kala Patthar was produced and directed by Yash Chopra and the story was written by Salim-Javed. This film brought together Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor and director Yash Chopra for the fourth time after the hugely successful Deewaar (1975), Kabhi Kabhie (1976) and Trishul (1978). However, this film did not manage to put box-office on fire like the other three films and did average business at the box office. Yash Chopra won the Best Director award for the film. Kaala Patthar must be deserves praise for the storyline and performances.
'Kabhi Kabhie' was Yash Chopra's second directorial film with Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor in the lead roles after 'Deewar'.
Kabhi Kabhie is truly a love story that transcends generations. The film is touted to be amongst Yash Chopra's favourite films. Kabhi Kabhie was particularly noted for its evergreen compositions by Khayyam. The title song 'Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein,' still holds a special place in the hearts of Bollywood film goers. The movie went on to become the 8th highest grosser of the year at the Indian box-office. The film was mostly shot in Kashmir and as cited in Wikipedia the filmmaker claimed Kabhi Kabhie to be one of his happiest experiences and he even illustrated the production as a honeymoon, since the entire cast worked together as a family.
Chandni: Well, who can forget gorgeous Sridevi's sarees, the music and romance that Chandni held for the audience. Rishi Kapoor and Sridevi's chemistry in the film and Vinod Khanna's strong portrayal of Lalit made the film even more memorable. The movie Chandni was a blockbuster in 1989 and is one of the most-watched films of Indian cinema. The legendary filmmaker gave Sridevi's career a fresh lease of life with his 1989 blockbuster Chandni. The huge profits of this musical brought an end to director Yash Chopra's lean phase too. The film also brought together Rishi Kapoor and Vinod Khanna after Amar Akbar Anthony.
Darr: Darr marked Shah Rukh Khan's first collaboration with Yash Chopra and his banner Yash Raj Films, the largest production company in Bollywood. The film not only launched the concept of anti-hero in Bollywood but also launched Shah Rukh Khan as the next big thing. Shah Rukh did full justice to the role of an obsessive lover and redefined the image of the conventional hero. This is the only film in which Shah Rukh and Sunny Deol have acted together.
Dil To Pagal Hai: This can truly be called as the one of the most romantic film made under the Yash Chopra banner. From music, to look of the superstars in the film, everything was refined. The film was a romantic musical hit. The movie created ripples in Indian cinema by winning many awards and appreciation. It was a modern age film and with Dil To Pagal Hai, Yash Chopra again proved it that he is truly the king of romance. The role of Nisha played by Karisma Kapoor was originally offered to Juhi Chawla but she turned down the role.
Veer-Zaara: Veer-Zaara is a saga of love, separation, courage and sacrifice. This film marked the return of Yash Chopra to direction after a gap of seven years after directing Dil To Pagal Hai which also starred Shah Rukh Khan. The cross-border love story between Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta's characters moved many to tears. It was the highly anticipated pre-release, the film eventually became the top-grossing Bollywood film of the year at both Indian and the international box office. It also earned all the major awards of that year including the Most Popular Film award at the National Film Awards and the Best Movie award at the annual Filmfare Awards, among others. With Veera-Zaara, Yash Chopra once again proved that why he is called the king of romance.
His actresses
Actresses who made it big with the Yash Chopra club
The king of romance - Yash Chopra, has left behind a legacy of iconic films that through his stories he will continue to live. The director, who can easily be credited for making several actors into superstars, will always live in the hearts of the moviegoers through his films. From Sridevi, Kajol to Parineeti Chopra, the Yash Raj banner has launched, nurtured and guided many top A-listers in Bollywood. Check the actresses who are part of the prestigious YRF club.
The ever smiling Parineeti Chopra is one of the reigning YRF girls what with all her films belonging to the YRF banner. The actress, who started her career as a Public Relations consultant at the film house, went on to be the chosen one for the banner. While she completed her three-film deal with Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, Ishaqzaade and Shuddh Desi Romance, she continued to star in YRF banner with Daawat-e-Ishq being the latest flick followed by Kill Dil. The actress has romanced the most promising members of the new brigade including Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra and Aditya Roy Kapur. And pairing up with Ranveer in Kill Dil, there is no looking back for this bubbly diva.
Yash Chopra had big dreams for Katrina Kaif but he passed away too early after working with her in his last directorial venture Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Yash Chopra wanted to cast Katrina in a saree number for the film with Shah Rukh Khan in Switzerland but he succumbed to dengue just before the plans could materialize. Katrina is now very much a part of the YRF banner which made her the 'Kamli' girl of Dhoom 3. Katrina’s other successful YRF films include Ek Tha Tiger and New York.
Yash Chopra saw the traditional gold-hearted Pooja in Madhuri Dixit when he cast her in Dil To Pagal Hai. The dancing diva serenely danced her way to the box-office with the Yash Chopra blockbuster. Shah Rukh Khan remained a constant factor in the Yash Chopra films despite the changing actresses. The diva also made her huge comeback with Aaja Nachle, made under the same banner. Madhuri is also one of the most desired Bollywood actress who emerged as a idol dream girl in Dil To Pagal Hai.
Yash Chopra made Sridevi the Chandni of Bollywood and the symbol of beauty. The director made her the desire of many by immortalizing her as Chandni in sarees complemented with flowing tresses and bindis. Sridevi ruled millions of hearts with her 1989 blockbuster Chandni and left them equally surprised with her Lamhe act. Yash Chopra extracted the best of Sridevi’s talent in her award-winning films and established her as the top actress of the '80s.
Anushka Sharma was one of the fortunate actresses to have been blessed by the YRF banner. The actress made her successful debut with YRF film Band Baaja Baaraat and also featured in Yash Chopra’s last film Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Anushka is also closely associated with the production house and had romanced Ranveer Singh again in Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl. Like Parineeti, this diva too has worked exclusively with the Yah Raj banner since her debut Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Anushka has worked outside the production house in PK which is scheduled to release in December.
Rani Mukerji was the favourite actress of Yash Chopra who was almost a father figure for her. The diva counts her career on the YRF films and has played all from a romantic in Saathiya to a fearless lawyer in Veer Zaara. The Bengali beauty is now married to YRF scion Aditya Chopra and continues to feature in YRF films. Her major superhits under YRF banner include Bunty Aur Babli, Hum Tum, Saathiya, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and recently Mardaani. With Rani now officially a part of the Chopra family, we expect her to continue surprising her fans with her power-packed performances.
Preity Zinta was very close to Yash Chopra who identified her true worth and established her as one of the most revered Bollywood actresses. The Zaara of Bollywood featured in several YRF films before taking up IPL team Punjab Kings XI. Preity has starred in YRF films like Salaam Namaste. Yash Chopra made Preity a traditional cheerful girl in Veer Zaara to a super confident RJ Amber. With a filmmaker like him and an actress like her, it wasn’t a surprise that they produced some of the best works of Indian cinema.
Kajol is regarded as one of Yash Chopra’s favourite muses who climbed almost every step of her career with the filmmaker. Kajol reached new heights of success by turning the ideal daughter Simran in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and also made her grand comeback with Fanaa under the same banner after a five year sabbatical. Kajol is regarded as the most popular member of the YRF club and still rules the hearts of her fans despite keeping away from films since long.
His thoughts
Yash Chopra: Most quotable quotes of the maestro
The Times of India , mostly citing IMDB.com
The Times of India has put together a few of quotes the Legend, fondly dubbed as 'The King of Romance'.
Years back, in an interview with TOI, Yash Chopra had spoken about romance in his films. When asked about the way love and romance are portrayed in Bollywood, the director had said, "I think we've gone overboard. What we see in today's films isn't romance. Love is a very intimate and personal emotion. Our audiences have been exposed to every possible culture and experience on television. In the last 2-3 years our films haven't been doing well. In desperation, filmmakers have turned murder sex and nudity into formulas . I firmly believe Indian audiences go for strong story Indian values. That's the only formula that will last. By showing skin you can't get your film to make a long-lasting impact."
According to IMDB, there are a few interesting quotes given by the late film maker.
1."There are only two types of cinema - good or bad." (sic)
2. "I was in Lahore before the partition, so I don't believe that a border can truly separate Punjab. I still think of it as one." (sic)
3. "My technicians are my most important tools. Once I establish a rapport with them, then they would understand me in my next film. I wouldn't have to train anyone new. I give a lot of respect to all my technicians, because I'm a technician too. I wouldn't be able to convey a feeling if the writer didn't write it well, and the cameraman didn't shoot it well." (sic)
4. "What is the point of making the film if the man doesn't marry the girl?." (sic)
5."Though, technically, I'm shooting on location, my films are actually based inside a woman's heart. I think women are more emotional than men, and that's a thread I've explored in all my films. When I see TV these days, I'm shocked at how all the main women characters are portrayed as evil. Women are the foundation of everything, and they deserve to be treated that way on camera." (sic)
6. "The reason for his seven-year hiatus in direction: My son Aditya made Mohabbatein(2000), which took a lot of time and energy. Then we started looking for a script for me to direct. Nothing seemed to excite us both. There's a complete bankruptcy of screenwriting in our cinema. I wanted a very earthy and Indian subject. I was tired of the promos on television. With semi-clad girls, they all looked the same. Of course Dhoom (2004) has them too. But I'd personally not make a film like that." (sic)
7. "Films have been my only passion in life. I have always been proud of making films and will continue taking pride in all my films. I have never made a movie I have not believed in. However, though I love all my films, one tends to get attached to films that do well. But I do not have any regrets about making films that did not really do well at the box office." (sic)
8. "You can always make a good film but for it to be successful, you need God's blessing." (sic)
9. About Veer-Zaara (2004): "Though it's a film about cross-border love, there isn't a word of politics in it. Forget politics, there isn't slap, not even a raised voice in Veer-Zaara(2004). It's a very intense, humane and emotional story. Veer-Zaara (2004) is a humble tribute to my home in Punjab. It's my tribute to the one-ness of people on both sides of the border. Every religion preaches peace. Then why the bloodshed for the sake of religion? Why are we destroying each other?."
Filmography
As a director
1959 Dhool Ka Phool
1961 Dharmputra
1965 Waqt
1969 Aadmi Aur Insaan
1969 Ittefaq
1973 Daag: A Poem of Love
1973 Joshila
1975 Deewaar
1976 Kabhie Kabhie
1978 Trishul
1979 Kaala Patthar
1981 Silsila
1984 Mashaal
1985 Faasle
1988 Vijay
1989 Chandni
1991 Lamhe
1992 Parampara
1993 Darr
1997 Dil To Pagal Hai
2004 Veer-Zaara
2012 Jab Tak Hai Jaan
As a producer
1973 Daag: A Poem of Love
1976 Kabhie Kabhie
1977 Doosara Aadmi
1979 Kaala Patthar
1979 Noorie
1981 Nakhuda
1981 Silsila
1982 Sawaal
1984 Mashaal
1985 Faasle
1988 Vijay
1989 Chandni
1991 Lamhe
1993 Darr
1994 Yeh Dillagi
1995 Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
1997 Dil To Pagal Hai
1997 Humko Ishq Ne Mara (telefilm)
2000 Mohabbatein
2002 Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai
2002 Mujhse Dosti Karoge!
2004 Dhoom
2004 Hum Tum
2004 Veer-Zaara
2005 Bunty Aur Babli
2005 Neal 'N' Nikki
2005 Salaam Namaste
2006 Dhoom:2
2006 Fanaa
2006 Kabul Express
2007 Chakde! India
2007 Jhoom Barabar Jhoom
2008 Bachna Ae Haseeno
2008 Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
2008 Roadside Romeo (executive producer)
2010 Band Baaja Baaraat (‘presented by’)
2010 Lafangey Parindey
2010 Pyaar Impossible!
2011 Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl (‘presented by’)
2011 Mere Brother Ki Dulhan
See also
<> Yash Chopra <> Yash Raj Films <>Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge <> Sultan (2016)
