Yash Chopra Biography

Yash Chopra is one name that is synonymous with Bollywood. This renowned director and producer was born on 27 September 1932 in Lahore, Pakistan. He started off by acting as an assistant to I.S. Johar, before moving on to help his elder brother B.R. Chopra. He directed five movies for his brother’s banner – B.R.Films- Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Dharmputra (1961), Waqt (1965) Ittefaq (1969) & Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969).

He went on to direct many other superhit movies which include movies like Veer-Zaara (2004), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) , Darr (1993), Parampara (1992), Lamhe (1991) , Chandni (1989), Vijay (1988) , Faasle (1985), Mashaal (1984), Silsila (1981), Kaala Patthar (1979) Trishul (1978) Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Deewar (1975), Daag(1973), Ittefaq (1969) Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969), Waqt (1965), Dharmputra (1961) and Dhool Ka Phool (1959).

His films have had some very good music which have sent the cash registers ringing. His son Aditya Chopra has become a famous director in his own right who has directed movies like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Mohabbatein. Yash Chopra has won a host of awards during his lifetime. He has been honored by the Swiss Government for promoting Switzerland through his films. A recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2001, Yash Chopra is the only film-maker to have won the Filmfare Award eleven times. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry of the Government of India and is a Founder Trustee of Film Industry Welfare Trust. Besides being the only Indian film producer and director to receive the BBC Asia Awards twice for his contribution to Hindi cinema, Yash Chopra was also awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the British Tourist Authority and British Film Commission for promoting tourism in the UK.

On 13th October 2012 Yash Chopra was admitted to the hospital after he complained of weakness. However, the 80-year-old was later diagnosed with dengue. The Veteran filmmaker passed away on 21st October 2012 following a multiple organ failure. His last rites were performed on 22nd October at the Chandanwadi crematorium in south Mumbai. His body was kept at the Yash Raj Studios in Andheri West till noon for people to pay their last respect. Yash Chopra gave romance a new meaning with films like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” and “Dil Toh Pagal Hai”. He is survived by wife Pamela and two sons Aditya, who is a filmmaker and Uday who is an actor.