Why Manoj Bajpayee supports new talent in cinema
Manoj Bajpayee discusses the power of new talent in films and unveils the teaser of his upcoming thriller 'Despatch' at IFFI. Details inside.
Prem Chopra, the iconic Bollywood actor renowned for his villainous roles, reminisced about his experience working with the legendary Raj Kapoor in the 1973 blockbuster ‘Bobby’. Despite having only a brief appearance in the film, Chopra left an indelible mark on audiences with his memorable line, “Prem Naam Hai Mera…Prem Chopra.”
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Chopra expressed his admiration for Kapoor’s directorial prowess, labeling him a genius of Indian cinema. When Kapoor approached him for a role in ‘Bobby’, Chopra, already an established actor with numerous awards to his credit, readily accepted the offer out of respect for Kapoor’s stature in the industry.
Despite initially expressing concern about the limited scope of the role, Chopra ultimately agreed, trusting Kapoor’s vision. Kapoor revealed that Chopra would have just one dialogue in the film, a revelation that initially surprised Chopra. However, his doubts were assuaged when fellow actor Premnath assured him that the line would resonate with audiences if the film succeeded.
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Indeed, Chopra’s single dialogue became a phenomenon, earning him widespread recognition and adoration from fans. Even years later, audiences continue to fondly remember and request him to recite the iconic line during public appearances.
‘Bobby’, featuring debutants Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia in the lead roles, also boasted a stellar supporting cast including Prem Nath as Jack Braganza and Pran as Ram Nath. The film soared to blockbuster status, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the seventies in Indian cinema history.
Chopra’s anecdote not only highlights the magic of collaboration between two cinematic legends but also underscores the enduring impact of a single memorable line in the annals of Bollywood history.
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