Entertainment

Prem Chopra opens up on his iconic negative roles

Published

10 months ago

February 28, 2024

[ad_1]

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 28 (ANI): “Prem naam hai mera.. Prem Chopra”. This evergreen dialogue from the 1973 cult-hit ‘Bobby’ has, over the years, become synonymous with one of Indian cinema’s most loved and celebrated villains.

Known for his arresting screen presence and distinguished style of acting, Prem Chopra entrenched his position as the ubiquitous bad man of indian cinema through his negative roles in films such as ‘Upkar’ and ‘Do Raaste’, to name a few. Through his flawless portrayal of numerous negative characters on the silver screen, Chopra not only captivated audiences but also built an aura around himself in the film industry.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Prem Chopra, now in his eighties, opened up on some of his iconic roles and performing alongside superstars of yesteryears and screen legends, some of whom he said he admired.

“When you are performing in front of the camera, you have to shed your inhibitions and be the same as every one else. Everybody is equal (in front of the camera). If you don’t do that then you are not going to be there (survive in the industry) for a long time. You have to deliver the goods while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. There were people who used to be very hardworking and involved in the process of acting. I considered every movie as my last and gave it my all in the hope that my performance would be recognised and get me more work going forward,” Chopra told ANI.

On the one negative role that had an impact on his life, the debonair villain of yesteryears said, “When you are performing in front of the camera, you are playing and portraying character. You are not playing Prem Chopra, you are playing the character that you signed up to portray. If I’m playing a devilish role, I have to be the devil. I have to play it right and justify my character. That way, the picture wouldn’t suffer. You have to adjust yourself. There were people in our industry who used to be absolute superstars. However, your stardom doesn’t stay with you forever. It passes with time. When stardom diminishes, an actor has to adapt to that phase in his life or career. Even a superstar like Amitabh Bachchan adapted to doing other roles with time. He had to adjust to playing characters that were not of the leading man. However, he still gets pivotal roles. However, there were actors, who used to be a rage during their heydays, but fell away as they couldn’t adapt to their declining stardom with time.”On how being typecast in negative roles from the 50s to well into the 80s helped him etch his name in the industry as one of the premier villains, Chopra said, “I got very popular with the audience by playing negative roles. In the film ‘Bobby’, they (makers) did not have to write more scenes for him to establish the fact that I was going to create a problem. Just one dialogue told viewers that I was out to create trouble for the lead cast. After that role, people started to accept me as a villain. In the West, one can see how actors are similarly appreciated for positive and negative characters. Different roles enables an actor to showcase his versatility. However, my characters brought me all the love and popularity.”While Prem Chopra had been with the industry long before ‘Bobby’ arrived in theatres, he found fame and overnight stardom as a villian with actor Rishi Kapoor’s debut film.

In a career spanning nearly six decades, he has worked in more than 400 films, including ‘Upkaar’, ‘ Purab Aur Pashchim’, ‘Do Raaste’, and ‘Phool Bane Angaarey’, among others. He also shared the screen with several superstars such as Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor, and Manoj Kumar, among others.

He was most recently seen in the action-thriller ‘Animal’, which also starred Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles. (ANI)

[ad_2]

Staff Reporter

Announcements

Ring in the New Year on Dubai’s waters: Abra, Taxi & Ferry with Atlantis views

Published

2 weeks ago

December 11, 2024

Staff Reporter

As Dubai residents and tourists gear up to celebrate New Year, they can ring in 2025 with celebrations in the waters of the emirate.

تُقدم #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات في دبي عروضًا خاصة وخدمات مميّزة، خلال فعاليات رأس السنة الميلادية الجديدة 2025، والموافق الثلاثاء 31 ديسمبر الجاري 2024، على متن وسائل النقل البحري، مثل فيري دبي والعبرة والتاكسي المائي.
لقراءة الخبر كاملا، يرجى زيارة الموقع الإلكتروني… pic.twitter.com/FfXu8rHHyA
— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 10, 2024

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has announced special offers and exclusive services during the New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024, on marine transport means including the Dubai Ferry, the Abra, and the Water Taxi.

Passengers can enjoy views of the Burj Khalifa, Bluewaters, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Towers. Residents can cruise into 2025 aboard the Dubai Ferry, Water Taxi, and Abra, with the backdrop of the Dubai coastline, adorned with hotels, heritage areas and landmarks such as The World Islands.

Announcements

Dubai Safari to introduce extended hours for night safaris

Published

3 weeks ago

December 6, 2024

Staff Reporter

Timings at the Dubai Safari Park will be extended this winter season, allowing visitors to experience the attraction at night. Evening visitors will be able to observe changes in the animals’ behaviour as the night deepens. The park’s lions will roar more, the usually elusive pygmy hippos will be more active and the predatory instincts of carnivores primed for nocturnal hunting will intensify.

The night safari timings of 6pm to 8pm will be applicable for a limited period—from December 13 to January 12. Tickets will be sold on the park’s website starting from December 11.

https://twitter.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/1864686389918617715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1864686389918617715%7Ctwgr%5E9a6a3d393a5ce5a565aef31778242b56a7deda6b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbuzzzing.ae%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D12597action%3Dedit

The extended hours will include two night safaris led by wildlife guides. Visitors can “expect to catch” a glimpse of the night-time routines of over 90 species, “besides participating in interactive activities involving animals”, the park’s operator said. The safari will host live performances, including an African fire show and a neon display. Visitors will be able to observe and study the animals’ natural adaptations at night, which include enhanced night vision, echolocation, and a heightened sense of smell and hearing.

Ahmad Al Zarouni, director of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities at Dubai Municipality, said, “With the introduction of the unique night safari, we are excited to reveal a new perspective on the world of wildlife after dark. This experience offers a rare opportunity to explore hidden aspects of life in the wild and learn about our constant efforts to enhance animal welfare, by day and by night.”

The extended timings are being offered amid the country’s peak tourist season.

According to the Dubai Safari Park, “well-considered measures” are in place to ensure that the ecosystem and animals’ natural routines remain undisturbed during the night safaris. “Only nocturnally active species will be part of the safari experience, allowing guests to observe them in their most natural state.”

Announcements

Dubai to ring in UAE National Day with week-long celebrations

Published

4 weeks ago

November 26, 2024

Staff Reporter

As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 53rd National Day, residents can look forward to a long weekend, with a 4-day break for most and an extended 5-day holiday for those in Sharjah.

From November 28 to December 3, Dubai will come alive with Eid Al Etihad festivities, featuring shopping deals, acrobatic performances, musical shows, fireworks, and culinary delights.

Culinary Experiences

Dubai’s restaurants and cafes will offer exclusive tasting menus, limited-time promotions, and events celebrating Emirati flavors with global twists. Emirati Eats will showcase a variety of traditional and fusion dishes at leading eateries across the city.

Music and Concerts

The festivities kick off on November 28 with Jalsat Moments at Coca-Cola Arena, featuring a stellar lineup of Arab artists, including Ayed Yousef, Eida Al Menhali, Nabeel Shuail, and Abdulaziz Al-Duwaihi.

On December 2, Dubai Festival City Mall will host a live concert by Aryam and Faisal Al Jasim, while City Walk will showcase a performance by Mohamed Al Shehhi, supported by a 10-member band, from 8 pm to 9 pm.

Fireworks

Spectacular firework displays will light up the city skies at these locations:

–December 1, 8 pm: Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR

–December 2, 8 pm: Hatta Sign

–December 2, 9.10 pm: Dubai Festival City Mall

–December 3, 9 pm: Al Seef

Shopping and Family Activities

From November 29 to December 3, shoppers can enjoy discounts on perfumes, jewelry, fashion, footwear, homeware, and apparel across the city. Traditional bands, family-friendly activities, and performances will create vibrant atmospheres at City Centre Mirdif and Ibn Battuta Mall.

Acrobatic Acts and Performances

On December 2, City Walk will host fabric dancers, acrobats, flag bearers, and traditional bands from 4 pm to 6 pm, culminating in the musical finale by Mohamed Al Shehhi.

With over 200 performers and an array of activities, Dubai is set to honor the UAE’s rich heritage and dynamic spirit with a celebration to remember.