Yash Chopra
Film Maker
Born on 27th September 1932, Yash Chopra started out as an assistant to his brother, B.R.Chopra, and went on to direct 5 very successful films for his brother’s banner - B.R.Films - each of which proved to be a significant milestone in his development as a world class director of blockbusters. These were ‘Dhool Ka Phool’ (Blossom of dust – 1959), ‘Dharmputra’ (Adopted Son – 1961), ‘Waqt’ (Time – 1965) – India’s first true multistarrer generational family drama, ‘Ittefaq’ (Coincidence – 1969) & ‘Aadmi Aur Insaan’ (Man and Human – 1969). He has wielded the baton, additionally, for 4 films made by other film companies - ‘Joshila’ (Passionate – 1973), ‘Deewaar’ (The Wall – 1975), ‘Trishul’ (The Trident – 1978) & ‘Parampara’ (Tradition – 1993). But his greatest repertoire of work has been around the 40 films made under the banner that he launched - the banner that stands for the best of Hindi cinema – YASH RAJ FILMS, which now operates as a leading Film Studio of India.
Out of these films, he has directed 12 himself and these films have defined much of the language of Hindi movies as we know them today – especially the romantic picture. 'Daag' (The Stigma - 1973), 'Kabhi Kabhie' (Sometimes - 1976), 'Kaala Patthar' (Coal Mine – 1979), 'Silsila' (The Affair - 1981), 'Chandni' (Moonlight - 1989), 'Darr' (Fear - 1993), 'Dil To Pagal Hai' (The Heart Is Crazy - 1997) and 'Veer-Zaara' (Veer and Zaara - 2004) are some of the highly successful movies which Yash Chopra has directed.
The Swiss Government has honoured him for helping rediscover Switzerland and he was presented a special Award by screen goddess, Ursula Andress, on behalf of the Swiss Government. His directorial efforts outshine the work of directors less than half his age. If his achievements as director are staggering, his work as a producer is no less. He has never been shy of adventuring into bold and controversial themes. Instead he has pulled off the more difficult task of weaving in socially relevant messages within the parameters of commercial cinema. The social comment has been meshed in with the smiles and tears and has managed to successfully bridge the gap between the older and the younger generations worldwide.
Yash Chopra has unearthed new composers, new singers, and acting talent, almost all of whom have gone on to great heights in the industry. To be a part of a YRF film is the culmination of the fondest dreams for any talent in India - creative or technical.
Yash Chopra, today, is more than a director and producer alone. In fact, the corporatization of “Bollywood” had its very genesis in the pioneering efforts of Yash Chopra. With his vast years of experience in the entertainment business, Yash Chopra is indisputably the leader of the Media and Entertainment firmament in India and the voice that governments and organizations listen to on matters pertaining to the rapidly booming Hindi film industry.
Even after seven decades, his vitality and creativity remain undiminished, and a new Yash Chopra or YRF film continues to remain the most anticipated event in the film calendar of India.