Yash Chopra, Bollywood movie mogul, dies at 80
Hit films included Deewar (Wall), Dil To Pagal Hai (The Heart Is Mad) and Chandni (Moonlight)
King Of Romance Passed Away Fr0m Us.
Bollywood movie mogul Yash Chopra has died in Mumbai after contracting dengue fever. He was 80.
Known as the "King of Romance", Chopra's career spanned five decades and included hits such as Deewar (Wall), Dil To Pagal Hai (The Heart Is Mad) and Chandni (Moonlight). His latest Hindi movie, Jab Tak Hai Jaan (As Long As I Am Alive), is scheduled for release across India next month.
His elder son, Aditya Chopra, is a successful film director and his younger son, Uday Chopra, runs the international branch of the family's production house. Yash Chopra started his film career under the tutelage of his elder brother, BR Chopra, who died four years ago aged 94.
Known as the "King of Romance", Chopra's career spanned five decades and included hits such as Deewar (Wall), Dil To Pagal Hai (The Heart Is Mad) and Chandni (Moonlight). His latest Hindi movie, Jab Tak Hai Jaan (As Long As I Am Alive), is scheduled for release across India next month.
His elder son, Aditya Chopra, is a successful film director and his younger son, Uday Chopra, runs the international branch of the family's production house. Yash Chopra started his film career under the tutelage of his elder brother, BR Chopra, who died four years ago aged 94.
Chopra, who was popularly known as the ‘King of romance for his several films in that genre directed some of Bollywood’s most successful and iconic films.
Born on September 27, 1932 in Lahore, Chopra began his career as an assistant director to his older brother BR Chopra and filmmaker IS Johar.
In the five-decade long career that followed, Chopra made romantic films like Silsila, Kabhi Kabhi, Chandni, Lamhe, Dil Toh Pagal Hai and Veer Zaara.
Chopra, who has won six National Film Awards and 11 Filmfare awards, including four Filmfare Award for best director, was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005 for his contributions towards Indian cinema.
Chopra’s first film was Dhool Ka Phool in 1959, which was about illegitimacy, and he continued making several socially hard-hitting films, including Dharmaputra.
His action thriller Deewar established superstar Amitabh Bachchan as the 'angry young man'. Chopra was the one who began the concept of multi-starrers in Waqt (1965).
His last movie Jab Tak Hai Jaan starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma is scheduled for release during Diwali.
He still had to shoot a song for the film in Switzerland, a destination Chopra made popular among cinegoers in India.
Message from Yash Raj
"Yash Chopraji breathed his last at around 5.30 pm today. Details of his last rites will be communicated later."
Recent memorable interviews
Shah Rukh does not ask for story or money: Yash Chopra
Filmmaker Yash Chopra, who teamed up with Shah Rukh Khan for over half-a-dozen films in the past two decades said the actor never sought to know the story or the fees he would be paid, when offered a role by him ...
"I have always had great experience working with him. He is one actor who has never asked me what the story is about, how much money he will charge... whatever amount I send him through cheque he takes that and rather asks me why I gave such a huge amount," said Chopra, who turned 80 on Thursday.
"He does not meet me before we start shooting, he says why to meet...I don't want to know the story, don't want to talk about money so why to meet. It is all because he has faith in me."
After "Veer Zara", Shah Rukh and Chopra have joined hands in upcoming "Jab Tak Hai Jaan". Chopra is making his directorial comeback after a gap of eight years.
"After 'Veer Zaara' I wanted to make something different and nice, soul-touching film. That is when I told Aditya, my son, that I want to direct a film. This film is a gift to me by Aditya. He told me, 'make the film dad and I am there to provide all help'."
While Gulzaar has penned the lyrics, AR Rahman has composed the music.
"I am happy that I am working with both of them. It is magical to have them," Chopra said.
