Ace filmmaker, veteran director or most appropriate title for the man ‘Legend’ are some terms which have been used for Yash Chopra by Bollywood celebrities like Anushka Sharma, Rakesh Roshan, Karan Johar and Vivek Oberoi among others who remembered him on his 85th birth anniversary on Wednesday.
Yash Chopra, who made his directorial debut with a melodrama Dhool Ka Phool in 1959.
He rose to prominence after his successful film Waqt and pioneered the concept of films with ensemble cast in Bollywood with this romantic drama.
In 1971, he founded his own production company, Yash Raj Films (YRF), and launched it with Daag. Some of his most iconic films are Deewar, Kabhie Kabhie, Trishul, Lamhe, Darr, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Veer-Zara and Jab Tak Hai Jaan.
He is one of the most influential and recognised Bollywood figure across the globe especially in Switzerland, a place where he directed most of his evergreen songs for the authenticity. Chopra is not only popular but also one of the most critically acclaimed director as well. He has bagged numerous awards like FilmFare and National Awards in his 50 plus years career.
The filmmaker became the first Indian celebrity to receive a lifetime achievement award from the British Academy of Film and Televison (BAFTA) for his contribution to cinema.
Chopra, who was known as the king of romance, died of dengue fever in 2012.
Here’s what the industry tweeted on the filmmaker’s 85th birth anniversary: