Yash Chopra - Biography, Career, Age, Movies and Death

Profile Summary 

Table Of Contents

• Biography
• Age 
• Childhood
• Family
• Yash Chopra's Wife - Pamela Chopra
• Career
• Top 5 Movies Of Yash Chopra
• Career Timeline
• Net Worth
• Awards
• Achievements/Honours
• Death
• Interesting Facts

Biography 

Yash Raj Chopra (September 27, 1932 – October 21, 2012) was a romantic Hindi film director and producer from India. He established Yash Raj Films and won numerous awards, including six National Film Awards and eight Filmfare AwaHe was named one of the best Hindi filmmakers and received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005.2005.

Chopra began as an assistant director before making his directorial debut in 1959. In 1965, he rose to prominence with the family drama Waqt, which pioneered the use of ensemble casts in Bollywood. In 1970, he founded Yash Raj Films, which produced successful melodramas such as Daag: A Poem of Love (1973). In the 1970s, he was known for films such as Deewaar (1975), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), and Trishul (1978).

Chopra's collaboration with Sridevi in Chandni (1989) revitalised the romantic musical genre, and Lamhe (1991) is widely regarded as his best work. Shahrukh Khan appeared in his films Darr (1993), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Veer-Zaara (2004), and Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012). Chopra retired in 2012 but passed away during the production of Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

Yash Raj Chopra's legacy as a legendary Bollywood director is being honoured. His films pushed the creative envelope, won prestigious awards, and continue to captivate audiences. He remains an inspiration to future filmmakers

Age

At the time of his death, Yash chopra was 80 years old, and his zodiac sign is Libra.

Childhood 

Yash Raj Chopra was born on September 27, 1932, in Lahore, Punjab Province, British India, into a Punjabi Hindu Khatri family. His father worked as an accountant in the British Punjab administration's PWD division. Chopra was the youngest of eight siblings, the oldest of whom was nearly 30 years his senior. Notably, his brother B. R. Chopra was also a well-known filmmaker.

Family

Chopra tied the knot with Pamela Singh in 1970, and they have two sons named Aditya Chopra and Uday Chopra. Aditya, born in 1971, followed in his father's footsteps and became a film director and producer. He currently holds the position of chairman and managing director at Yash Raj Films. Uday, born in 1973, began his career as an assistant director but later transitioned into acting. He made his acting debut in his brother's directorial venture, Mohabbatein, in 2000. Uday currently serves as the Director at Yash Raj Films and is also the CEO of YRF Entertainment.

Yash Chopra’s Wife - Pamela Chopra

Yash Raj Chopra and his wife, Pamela Chopra, had a close and lasting relationship. They married in 1970 and had a long-lasting relationship. Pamela Chopra was a constant source of encouragement in both Yash Raj Chopra's personal and professional life.

Pamela was by her husband's side throughout his illustrious career in Hollywood. She was heavily involved in the production and management of Yash Raj Films, the production company they co-founded. Pamela contributed valuable creative input and support to the success of their ventures.

Yash Raj and Pamela Chopra shared a deep love and understanding aside from their professional partnership. They were devoted to one another and established a strong and harmonious family environment. They raised their two sons, Aditya and Uday Chopra, together, nurturing their talents and aspirations. 

Career

Yash Raj Chopra's career as a film director was filled with both successes and setbacks. He began with films that explored social issues and received critical acclaim, such as Dhool Ka Phool (1959) and Dharmputra (1961). He directed Waqt, a groundbreaking multi-starrer that set a trend in Bollywood, in 1965.

Chopra established Yash Raj Films in 1970 and directed Daag: A Poem of Love (1973), a melodrama that was both a critical and commercial success. His collaboration with Amitabh Bachchan produced iconic films such as Deewaar and Trishul, cementing Bachchan's status as an industry superstar.

While he experienced setbacks in the 1980s with films such as Faasle and Vijay, Chopra rebounded with the romantic musical Chandni (1989), which redefined the genre and became a huge success. Lamhe, an intergenerational love story, showcased his directorial talent and received critical acclaim.

Despite his ups and downs, Chopra's contributions to Indian cinema were undeniably significant. His films embodied grandeur, romance, and emotion, and were frequently accompanied by memorable music. His ability to create visually stunning and emotionally resonant narratives earned him a special place in the Bollywood film industry.

Yash Raj Chopra's legacy as a visionary filmmaker lives on, and his films are still beloved by audiences. His pioneering work, as well as his exploration of social themes and storytelling ability, cemented his position as one of India's most revered filmmakers.

Top 5 Movies Of Yash Chopra 

Deewar

Yash Chopra directed the 1975 Indian film Deewaar. Vijay (Amitabh Bachchan) and Ravi (Shashi Kapoor) are two brothers who find themselves on opposing sides of the law. Vijay turns to a life of crime while Ravi becomes a police officer. Their diverging paths lead to a dramatic confrontation as they confront their pasts and ideologies. The film delves into moral issues, family loyalty, and social inequality. With powerful performances and iconic dialogues, Deewaar remains a classic in Indian cinema and is regarded as one of the greatest films in Bollywood history.

Silsila

Silsila is a Hindi film directed by Yash Chopra, released in 1981. The movie revolves around a love triangle between Amit, his wife Shobha, and his former lover Chandni (Rekha). It explores the complexities of relationships, societal expectations, and the choices people make between love and duty. With a stellar cast and soulful music, Silsila delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and following one's heart. Though initially met with mixed reviews, the film has gained a cult following and is considered a classic in Indian cinema, known for its mature storytelling and powerful performances.

Daag

Daag is a Hindi film directed by Yash Chopra, released in 1973. The movie tells the story of Sunil, who accidentally kills his wife's lover in self-defense and is sentenced to prison. During his sentence, his wife Sonia believes he is dead and moves on with her life. After his release, Sunil tries to rebuild his life and forms a bond with a young woman named Chandni. However, fate brings Sunil and Sonia back together, leading to a complex love triangle. Daag explores themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. The film was critically acclaimed and won Yash Chopra his third Filmfare Award for Best Director.

Trishul

Trishul is a Hindi film directed by Yash Chopra, released in 1978. The movie follows the story of Vijay, who seeks revenge against his wealthy father, Raaj Kumar Gupta , for abandoning his mother. Vijay rises from poverty and becomes a successful businessman, determined to bring down his father's empire. The film explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and justice, with powerful performances and impactful dialogues. Trishul was a commercial success and received critical acclaim for its engaging narrative and social commentary. It remains a significant film in Bollywood history, showcasing the talents of Yash Chopra and Amitabh Bachchan.

Veer-Zara

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Veer-Zaara is a Hindi romantic drama film directed by Yash Chopra and released in 2004. The story revolves around Veer, an Indian Air Force pilot, and Zaara, a Pakistani woman. They meet and fall in love but are separated by political and societal boundaries. The film beautifully portrays their emotional journey, as Veer struggles to reunite with Zaara. It explores themes of love, sacrifice, patriotism, and the enduring power of relationships. With stellar performances by Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukerji, Veer-Zaara received critical acclaim for its storytelling, music, and performances, becoming a cherished film in Bollywood history.

Career Timeline

Awards

Achivements/Honours

• 2003-2012: Vice President of the Film Producers’ Guild of India for 10 years.

• 2005: Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honours.

• 2006: Punjab Rattan, Punjab's highest civilian honour.

• 5 July 2008: France's Legion of Honour

• Handpicked by the British Film Institute for a book written by Rachel Dwyer in their World Directors Series. This book showcases the glorious five-decade career of Yash Chopra.

• 2009: Pusan International Film Festival – Asian Filmmaker of the Year

• Honoured along with the Egyptian comedian Adel Emam and the Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman as the Asian, Arab and Hollywood honorees in the Dubai International Film Festival In the Spotlight, which honours the work of eminent actors, producers and directors from around the world for their distinguished service to the film industry.

• 2010: Honoured by the Swiss Government for rediscovering Switzerland, and recently, he was presented a Special Award by Ursula Andress on behalf of the Swiss Government.

• The veteran director was on the advisory board of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry of the Government of India.

• 1996: Founder Trustee of Film Industry Welfare Trust established.

• 1998 & 2001: Received BBC Asia Awards in both years – in 1998 and 2001 for his outstanding contribution to films.

• 2001: Dr. Dadabhai Naoroji Millennium Lifetime Achievement award.

• Certificate of Recognition from the British Tourist Authority and British Film Commission for promoting tourism in the UK through his films.

• Vocational Excellence Award by the Rotary Club

• Outstanding Achievement Awards by the apex bodies of Indian Industry – like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

• Honoured by National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) and All India Association of Industries (AIAI) for his outstanding achievements.

• He has also been awarded the Priyadarshini Award for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

• 2001: Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the topmost and the highest honour given in the Indian film industry.

• He has been given the Maharashtra state government's Raj Kapoor and V. Shantaram’ Awards, in recognition of his impressive contributions to the Hindi film industry.

• 2006: Lifetime Achievement Award at the 4th Pune International Film Festival (P.I.F.F.)

• 2006: A lifetime membership to BAFTA for his contribution to the Indian film industry. He is the first Indian to be honoured at BAFTA in 59-year history of the academy

• 13 November 2007: Chopra was conferred the Zenith Asia Honour for his contribution to Indian cinema.

• 2008: FIAPF Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

• 2010: National Kishore Kumar Award by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

• 2010: Swiss Ambassador's Award for his contribution in promoting Brand Switzerland through his movies.

• 2009: Yash Chopra received the Lifetime Achievement Award at Satya Brahma-founded India Leadership Conclave, moderated by NDTV.

• October 2010: Chopra was given the Outstanding Achievement in Cinema award at The Asian Awards.

• 2011: Chopra was honoured with the title of Ambassador of Interlaken.

• 2011: In Mumbai, the India Leadership Conclave felicitated him in the category of Excellence in outstanding contribution to Indian Cinema.

• 2013: Awarded the Father of Contemporary Indian Cinema at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).

• 3 May 2013: A postage stamp, bearing his likeness, was released by India Post to honour him.

Death

Yash Chopra was diagnosed with dengue fever on October 13, 2012, and was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra, Mumbai. Unfortunately, he died on October 21, at the age of 80, from multiple organ failure. On October 25, 2012, a Chautha ceremony in his honour was held at the Yash Raj Films studio. On October 22, 2012, Yash Chopra's final rites were held at the Pawan Hans crematorium.

Interesting Facts

• He has shot so many times in Switzerland that a lake in the Alpenrausch, a favourite shooting location of his, has been named Chopra Lake.

• Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, was bestowed upon him in 2005 by the government. His elder brother B.R. Chopra was awarded the same in 1998.

• Yash Chopra's cult films such as Chandni, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and others put an end to violent films in Bollywood.

• Javed Akhtar's lyricist career began with Yash Chopra's Silsila. Yash Chopra inspired Javed Akhtar to become a lyricist.

• Yash Chopra is known as the King of Romance.