Yash Chopra (27 September 1932 – 21 October 2012) was an Indian film director and producer, celebrated as the “King of Romance” in Hindi cinema. He founded Yash Raj Films, one of India’s biggest studios, and directed classics such as Deewaar, Kabhi Kabhie, Silsila, Chandni, Dil To Pagal Hai and Veer-Zaara. His love of shooting in Switzerland made the Alps a fixture of Bollywood romance.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Yash Raj Chopra |
| Born | 27 September 1932, Lahore, Punjab (now in Pakistan) |
| Died | 21 October 2012, Mumbai (aged 80) |
| Profession | Director, producer |
| Founded | Yash Raj Films (1970) |
| Brother | B. R. Chopra (filmmaker) |
| Spouse | Pamela Chopra |
| Sons | Aditya Chopra, Uday Chopra |
| Honours | Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2001), Padma Bhushan (2005) |
Early Life
Yash Chopra was born in Lahore, the youngest of several siblings. After Partition he moved to India and joined his elder brother, the filmmaker B. R. Chopra, in Bombay as an assistant director.
Career
Chopra made his directing debut with Dhool Ka Phool (1959). The multi-star family drama Waqt (1965) became a landmark hit. In 1970 he founded Yash Raj Films, and its first production, Daag (1973), was a success.
Chopra helped shape Amitabh Bachchan‘s “angry young man” image in Deewaar (1975) and showed his romantic side in Kabhi Kabhie (1976). Their other films together included Trishul (1978), Kaala Patthar (1979) and Silsila (1981).
Chandni (1989) revived the musical romance. It was followed by Lamhe (1991), Darr (1993), which helped make Shah Rukh Khan a star, Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) and Veer-Zaara (2004). His final film, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, was released shortly after his death in 2012. Switzerland honoured him for promoting Swiss tourism.
Personal Life and Death
Chopra married Pamela Singh in 1970. Their son Aditya Chopra directed Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and now runs Yash Raj Films. Yash Chopra died of dengue complications in Mumbai on 21 October 2012.
Selected Filmography
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Yash Chopra born?
Yash Chopra was born on 27 September 1932 in Lahore, Punjab (now in Pakistan).
When did Yash Chopra die?
Died: 21 October 2012, Mumbai (aged 80).
What honours has Yash Chopra received?
Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2001), Padma Bhushan (2005).
