Prem Chopra: I always wanted to be an actor even though my family had no connection with the film industry

Veteran Bollywood actor Prem Chopra completes 60 years in the industry, today. The iconic villain will mark his signature event with a celebration at an auditorium in Juhu this evening, Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, Dharmendra and several other actors, including son-in-law Sharman Joshi, in attendance at the event. The actor will next work in, ‘Udanchhoo’, is slated to release next month. Prem Chopra describes his journey as full of twists and turns laced with failures, setbacks, and rewards.


The actor said, "I always wanted to be an actor even though my family had no connection with the film industry. My father was an IAS officer. When I decided to leave Shimla [his hometown] and move to Bombay in the late '50s, my father warned me that I was opting for the most insecure profession."


Prem Chopra worked in Punjabi films initially before entering Bollywood, "I must have juggled at least 10-12 films with the job till it became impossible."


Prem Chopra recalls his journey, "Initially, I had reservations about doing the film as it was not a big role, but Rajji insisted I do it. I later relented. This was the film that gave me my most iconic dialogue, 'Prem naam hai mera, Prem Chopra.' I would have regretted had I not done the film.”


Prem Chopra talks about his success mantra, "It was always pure acting. But then, it was my goal to keep going. I worked hard, avoided politics and steered clear of controversies. This has been my success mantra,” the actor said.