Baldev Raj Chopra
Encyclopedia
Baldev Raj Chopra (22 April 1914 – 5 November 2008) was an Indian director and producer of Bollywood
movies and television serials. Most known for Hindi films like Naya Daur (1957), Kanoon
(1961), Gumrah (1963) and Humrāz
(1967) and the TV Series, Mahabharat
in the late 1980s, he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award
in 1998.
His younger brother Yash Chopra
, son Ravi Chopra
and nephew Aditya Chopra
are also directors in the Bollywood industry. His nephew, Uday Chopra
, is an actor.
in Lahore
. He started his career in 1944 as a film journalist with Cine Herald, a film-monthly published in Lahore, he later took over the magazine and ran it until 1947. In the same year, he launched a film with a story by I. S. Johar
, Chandni Chowk. Naeem Hashmi was hero of this movie and Erika Rukhshi was the heroine. Just as the production of film was to start, riots broke out in Lahore and he and his family had to flee from the city. After the partition of India
into India
and Pakistan
in 1947, he moved to Delhi
. He later moved to Bombay (Mumbai
), where his first production, Karwat, began in 1948, though it turned out to be a flop. His first film as a director, Afsana, was released in 1951 and featured Ashok Kumar
in a double role - the film was a hit and established his name in Bollywood. Chopra made Chandni Chowk, with Meena Kumari
as a lead, in 1954. In 1955, B.R. formed his own production house, B.R Films. His first movie for this production house was the highly successful Naya Daur (1957) starring Dilip Kumar
and Vyjayantimala Bali, the film became a golden jubilee hit. In 1963 he was a member of the jury at the 13th Berlin International Film Festival
.
B.R. was instrumental in developing the career of singer Mahendra Kapoor
whom he employed in most of his movies. (Director-producer Yash Chopra
cast Mahendra Kapoor's son in Fasle.)
B.R.'s forayed into television with Mahabharat
, one of the most successful TV serials in Indian television history. Another of his memorable TV dramas is Bahadur Shah Zafar.
He died in Mumbai
at the age of 94 on 5 November 2008, survived by his son, Ravi Chopra
and two daughters.
Bollywood
Bollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai , Maharashtra, India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema; it is only a part of the total Indian film industry, which includes other production centers producing...
movies and television serials. Most known for Hindi films like Naya Daur (1957), Kanoon
Kanoon
Kanoon is a 1960 Indian Hindi film directed by B.R. Chopra. The film stars Rajendra Kumar, Nanda, Ashok Kumar, Mehmood , Shashikala, Jeevan and Om Prakash...
(1961), Gumrah (1963) and Humrāz
Hamraaz
Hamraaz is a 1967 Hindi film produced and directed by B. R. Chopra. The film stars Sunil Dutt, Raaj Kumar, Mumtaz, Sarika, Madan Puri, Iftekhar, Balraj Sahni, Jeevan, Helen and Vimi. The films music is by Ravi...
(1967) and the TV Series, Mahabharat
Mahabharat (TV series)
Mahabharat is a successful Indian television series based on the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. The 94-episode series originally ran from 2 October 1988 to 24 June 1990. It was produced by B. R. Chopra and directed by his son, Ravi Chopra. The music was composed by critically acclaimed music...
in the late 1980s, he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest award in cinema given annually by the Government of India for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. It was instituted in 1969, the birth centenary year of Dadasaheb Phalke, considered as the father of Indian cinema.The award for a particular year is...
in 1998.
His younger brother Yash Chopra
Yash Chopra
Yash Raj Chopra is an Indian filmmaker, film director, screenwriter, and a highly successful Bollywood producer. Waqt, Deewar, Kabhi Kabhie, Silsila, Lamhe, Chandni, Darr, Dil To Pagal Hai, and Veer-Zaara are some of his highly popular movies...
, son Ravi Chopra
Ravi Chopra
Ravi Chopra is an Indian movie producer and director.Ravi has directed thus far the movies, Zameer , The Burning Train , Mazdoor , Dehleez , Baghban , and Baabul...
and nephew Aditya Chopra
Aditya Chopra
Aditya Chopra is an Indian film producer, screenwriter and director. He is most known for directing his only three films Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge , Mohabbatein , and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi...
are also directors in the Bollywood industry. His nephew, Uday Chopra
Uday Chopra
Uday Chopra is a Bollywood actor, producer, and assistant director.He is the son of Yash Chopra and brother of Aditya Chopra, and worked as assistant director on a number of his father's and brother's movies under the Yash Raj Films banner. In 1994 Chopra produced Yeh Dillagi starring Akshay...
, is an actor.
Biography
Born in Ludhiana, "B.R." received an M.A. in English literature from University of the PunjabUniversity of the Punjab
University of the Punjab , colloquially known as Punjab University, is located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. The University of the Punjab is the oldest and biggest University of Pakistan. The University of the Punjab was formally established with the convening of the first meeting of its...
in Lahore
Lahore
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and the second largest city in the country. With a rich and fabulous history dating back to over a thousand years ago, Lahore is no doubt Pakistan's cultural capital. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains a...
. He started his career in 1944 as a film journalist with Cine Herald, a film-monthly published in Lahore, he later took over the magazine and ran it until 1947. In the same year, he launched a film with a story by I. S. Johar
I. S. Johar
Inderjeet s Johar , better known as I. S. Johar, was an Indian actor, writer, producer and director.-Early life:...
, Chandni Chowk. Naeem Hashmi was hero of this movie and Erika Rukhshi was the heroine. Just as the production of film was to start, riots broke out in Lahore and he and his family had to flee from the city. After the partition of India
Partition of India
The Partition of India was the partition of British India on the basis of religious demographics that led to the creation of the sovereign states of the Dominion of Pakistan and the Union of India on 14 and 15...
into India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
in 1947, he moved to Delhi
Delhi
Delhi , officially National Capital Territory of Delhi , is the largest metropolis by area and the second-largest by population in India, next to Mumbai. It is the eighth largest metropolis in the world by population with 16,753,265 inhabitants in the Territory at the 2011 Census...
. He later moved to Bombay (Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
), where his first production, Karwat, began in 1948, though it turned out to be a flop. His first film as a director, Afsana, was released in 1951 and featured Ashok Kumar
Ashok Kumar
Ashok Kumar also fondly called Dadamoni was an Indian film actor. Born Kumudlal Ganguly in Bhagalpur, Bengal Presidency he attained iconic status in Indian cinema...
in a double role - the film was a hit and established his name in Bollywood. Chopra made Chandni Chowk, with Meena Kumari
Meena Kumari
Meena Kumari , born Mahjabeen Bano, was an Indian movie actress and poetess. She is regarded as one of the most prominent actresses to have appeared on the screens of Hindi Cinema...
as a lead, in 1954. In 1955, B.R. formed his own production house, B.R Films. His first movie for this production house was the highly successful Naya Daur (1957) starring Dilip Kumar
Dilip Kumar
Dilip Kumar , is an Indian actor and a former Member of Parliament.He lives in Pali Hill, Bandra in Mumbai, India. He is commonly known as "Tragedy King",and is described as "the ultimate method actor" by Satyajit Ray....
and Vyjayantimala Bali, the film became a golden jubilee hit. In 1963 he was a member of the jury at the 13th Berlin International Film Festival
13th Berlin International Film Festival
The 13th annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from 21 June to 2 July 1963.-Jury:* Wendy Toye * Harry R. Sokal* Fernando Ayala* Jean-Pierre Melville* B. R...
.
B.R. was instrumental in developing the career of singer Mahendra Kapoor
Mahendra Kapoor
Mahendra Kapoor was an Indian playback singer.In a career spanning five decades, his repertoire extended to 25,000 songs in various regional languages, including memorable hits like ‘Chalo ek baar phir se Ajnabi ban jayen hum dono’ Gumrah, ‘Neele gagan ke taale’ Hamraaz, and in various...
whom he employed in most of his movies. (Director-producer Yash Chopra
Yash Chopra
Yash Raj Chopra is an Indian filmmaker, film director, screenwriter, and a highly successful Bollywood producer. Waqt, Deewar, Kabhi Kabhie, Silsila, Lamhe, Chandni, Darr, Dil To Pagal Hai, and Veer-Zaara are some of his highly popular movies...
cast Mahendra Kapoor's son in Fasle.)
B.R.'s forayed into television with Mahabharat
Mahabharat (TV series)
Mahabharat is a successful Indian television series based on the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. The 94-episode series originally ran from 2 October 1988 to 24 June 1990. It was produced by B. R. Chopra and directed by his son, Ravi Chopra. The music was composed by critically acclaimed music...
, one of the most successful TV serials in Indian television history. Another of his memorable TV dramas is Bahadur Shah Zafar.
He died in Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
at the age of 94 on 5 November 2008, survived by his son, Ravi Chopra
Ravi Chopra
Ravi Chopra is an Indian movie producer and director.Ravi has directed thus far the movies, Zameer , The Burning Train , Mazdoor , Dehleez , Baghban , and Baabul...
and two daughters.
Awards
- 1962: Filmfare Best Director AwardFilmfare Best Director AwardThe Filmfare Best Director Award is one of the main awards presented given by the annual Filmfare Awards to recognise directors working in the Hindi film Industry. It was first presented in 1954 in the inaugural year.-Superlatives:...
: KanoonKanoonKanoon is a 1960 Indian Hindi film directed by B.R. Chopra. The film stars Rajendra Kumar, Nanda, Ashok Kumar, Mehmood , Shashikala, Jeevan and Om Prakash... - 1998: Dadasaheb Phalke AwardDadasaheb Phalke AwardThe Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest award in cinema given annually by the Government of India for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. It was instituted in 1969, the birth centenary year of Dadasaheb Phalke, considered as the father of Indian cinema.The award for a particular year is...
- 2003: Filmfare Lifetime Achievement AwardFilmfare Lifetime Achievement AwardThe Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, initially named Raj Kapoor Award for Lifetime Achievement after Raj Kapoor is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films....
- 2008: Phalke Ratna Award by the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy
Director-Producer
- Naya Daur (1957)
- Sadhana (1958)
- KanoonKanoonKanoon is a 1960 Indian Hindi film directed by B.R. Chopra. The film stars Rajendra Kumar, Nanda, Ashok Kumar, Mehmood , Shashikala, Jeevan and Om Prakash...
(1961) - Gumrah (1963)
- HumrāzHamraazHamraaz is a 1967 Hindi film produced and directed by B. R. Chopra. The film stars Sunil Dutt, Raaj Kumar, Mumtaz, Sarika, Madan Puri, Iftekhar, Balraj Sahni, Jeevan, Helen and Vimi. The films music is by Ravi...
(1967) - Dastān (1972)
- DhundDhund (1973 film)Dhund is a 1973 Hindi movie produced and directed by B. R. Chopra. The film is based on Agatha Christie's play, The Unexpected Guest, and stars Sanjay Khan, his then flame Zeenat Aman, Danny Denzongpa, Deven Verma, Madan Puri, Navin Nischol and Ashok Kumar...
(1973) - KarmKarmKarm is a 1977 Hindi movie produced and directed by B. R. Chopra. The film stars Rajesh Khanna, Vidya Sinha and Shabana Azmi. The music is by R. D. Burman.-Plot:...
(1977) - Pati Patni Aur WohPati Patni Aur WohPati Patni Aur Woh is a 1978 Hindi movie directed by B. R. Chopra. The film stars Sanjeev Kumar, Vidya Sinha, Ranjeeta, and in guest appearances Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh and Parveen Babi.-Summary:...
(1978) - Insāf Kā TarāzooInsaaf Ka TarazuInsaaf Ka Tarazu is a 1980 Hindi film produced and directed by B. R. Chopra. The film stars Raj Babbar, Deepak Parashar, Zeenat Aman, Padmini Kohlapure, Iftekhar, Simi Garewal, Shreeram Lagoo and Dharmendra in a guest appearance. The music of the film was composed by Ravindra Jain. The film was...
(1980) - NikaahNikaahNikaah is a 1982 Hindi film produced and directed by B. R. Chopra. The film stars Raj Babbar, Deepak Parashar and Salma Agha in her Hindi movie debut role. The film also had Asrani, Iftekhar and Gufi Paintal in support roles. The films music is by Ravi. The original name of the movie was Talaq...
(1982) - AwāmAwamAwam stands for common people or general public in Urdu language. In early 1900 the word is extensively used by political system in Indian sub continent to refer general population. Later the word remained in use in Pakistan but India adopted Hindi word Log or Praja. Awam is an Urdu and Sindhi...
(1987) - Kal Ki AwazKal Ki AwazKal Ki Awaz is a 1992 Bollywood film starring Dharmendra.-Cast:*Dharmendra ... Police Commissioner Ali Haider Jaffri*Raj Babbar ... Home Minister Syed Nooruddin Ahmed*Amrita Singh ... Principal Nahim Bilgrami...
(1992)
Director
- AfsānāAfsana (film)Afsana is a hit 1951 Bollywood film. It was the directorial debut of Baldev Raj Chopra and starred Ashok Kumar as twin brothers, starting a trend for such dual roles.-Plot summary:...
(1951) - Chāndni Chowk (1954)
- Ek Hi RaastaEk Hi RaastaEk Hi Raasta may refer to several Bollywood motion pictures:*Ek Hi Raasta *Ek Hi Raasta *Ek Hi Raasta *Ek Hi Raasta...
(1956) - TawaifTawaif (film)Tawaif is a Bollywood movie released in 1985. It was produced by B. R. Chopra and directed by Aleem Mansoor.-Plot:...
(1985)
Producer
- Dhool Kā PhoolDhool Ka PhoolDhool Ka Phool is a 1959 Indian Bollywood film. Produced by B. R. Chopra it was directed by BR's brother Yash Chopra, this being Yash's first movie as a director, having been an assistant director in BR's earlier film Naya Daur. The film stars Mala Sinha, Rajendra Kumar, Nanda, Leela Chitnis,...
(1959) - Dharm PutraDharmputraDharmputra is a 1961 Hindi film directed by Yash Chopra. This is Yash's second directorial venture based on a novel by Acharya Chatursen Shastry.- Synopsis :...
(1962) - WaqtWaqt (1965 film)Waqt is a 1965 Indian film directed by Yash Chopra. It made it onto the BFI's long list of films in consideration for their top ten of Indian films award. It was produced by B.R...
(1965) - IttefaqIttefaq (film)Ittefaq is a 1969 Hindi movie produced by B. R. Chopra and directed by his brother Yash Chopra. The film stars Rajesh Khanna, Nanda, Bindu, Madan Puri, Iftekhar and has music by Salil Choudhury. The film became a "semi-hit" at the box office...
(1969) - Ādmi Aur InsānAadmi Aur InsaanAadmi Aur Insaan is a 1969 Hindi film produced by B. R. Chopra and directed by Yash Chopra. The film stars Dharmendra, Saira Banu, Feroze Khan, Mumtaz, Johnny Walker, Ajit, Anwar, Iftekar, Kamini Kaushal and Nazima...
(1970) - Zameer (1975)
- Chhoti Si BātChhoti Si BaatChhoti Si Baat is a 1975 Hindi romantic comedy film directed by Basu Chatterjee. The film's title means "Small Talk" in Hindi. Considered one of the best Hindi comedy films of the 1970s, it is a nostalgic favourite for its quirky take on pre-hypercongestion Bombay...
(1976) - The Burning TrainThe Burning TrainThe Burning Train is a Bollywood action film released in 1980 directed by Ravi Chopra and featuring a huge all-star cast. The plot revolves around a fast train named Super Fast Express, that catches fire on its inaugural run from New Delhi to Mumbai....
(1980) - Agnee Pareeksha (1982)
- MazdoorMazdoorMazdoor is a 1983 Hindi film. Produced by B. R. Chopra it is directed by his son Ravi Chopra. The film stars Dilip Kumar, Raj Babbar, Suresh Oberoi, Nanda, Rati Agnihotri, Iftekhar, Madan Puri and Johhny Walker. The music of the film is by R. D. Burman...
(1983) - Aaj Ki AwaazAaj Ki AwaazAaj Ki Awaaz is a 1984 Bollywood film produced by B. R. Chopra and directed by Ravi Chopra. The film stars Raj Babbar, Smita Patil, Nana Patekar and Vijay Arora. The film's music is by Ravi.-Cast:...
(1984) - Kirayedār (1986)
- Dahleez (1986)
- PratigyābadhPratigyabadhPratigyabadh is a 1991 Hindi film directed by Ravi Chopra. It stars Sunil Dutt, Mithun Chakraborty, Kumar Gaurav, Beena Banerjee and Neelam Kothari.-Plot:...
(1991) - Baghban (2003)
- Bābul (2006)
External links
- B R Chopra's unforgettable movies Rediff.comRediff.comRediff.com India is a news, information, entertainment, and shopping portal. It was founded in 1996 as "Rediff On The NeT" and is headquartered in Mumbai, India with offices in New Delhi and New York City, USA....