Prem Chopra turns 86, recalls how Raj Kapoor convinced him for his iconic dialogue

Bollywood veteran and famous actor Prem Chopra is celebrating his 86th birthday today. 

Prem Chopra has always won the hearts of the audience with his villainous characters in Hindi films for a long time. He has also been in discussion due to his dangerous villain character. 

On the occasion of his birthday, he remembered a special anecdote related to his career.

Prem used to speak the dialogue in the film Bobby directed by Raj Kapoor – 'Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra'. This dialogue of his had made Prem Chopra famous overnight. 

Prem spoke to the website Indian Express on the occasion of his birthday. During this, he shared many things and anecdotes related to his film career. 

Regarding his villain character in the film Bobby, Prem Chopra said that he was not ready to play a supporting role, and wanted to increase his popularity with lead roles. 

But Raj Kapoor told him to play the villain in the film and he said to Prem, 'I don't care, you have to do it.'

Recalling the anecdote related to his famous dialogue in the film Bobby, Prem said, 

Raj Kapoor ji loved drinking alcohol and one day we sat together. I kept asking him to give me the script so that I could learn my dialogues. It was Raj Kapoor's film after all! But all he had to say was, 'will tell ,will tell, fursat se'. The only thing Raj Kapoor told me about the film's story is that a young couple in the film has run away and I have to catch them. I have to say 'Prem Naam Hai Mera... Prem Chopra

- Prem Chopra

The veteran actor further said,

'When I heard this dialogue for the first time, it did not sound strange. During the shoot, I met Prem Nath and told him that I am unhappy with my character. At the same time, his advice was that I should do that character and believe in Raj Kapoor. He was sure that the film would be a big hit. With his encouragement, I played the character to the best of my ability and the dialogue was successful. Even today, wherever I go in the world, people either introduce me to that dialogue or want me to say it. It is so close to my heart that even the name of my book is Prem Naam Hai Mera... Prem Chopra.'

Let us tell you that Prem Chopra was born on 23 September 1935 in Lahore. 

He has left his indelible mark on the big screen by acting in more than 400 films. 

Prem Chopra has worked in films like Shaheed, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Do Raaste, Kati Patang, Do Anjaane, Kala Sona, Dostana, Kranti, Phool Bane Angare, for which he will always be remembered.