Yash Chopra: King of Romance is no more

His last film,the Shah Rukh Khan-Katrina Kaif-Anushka Sharma starrer Jab Tak Hai Jaan is set to release on November 13. On his 80th birthday celebrations last month,Chopra had announced his retirement from direction.

In a career spanning close to 53 years,Chopra directed 22 films. A master storyteller,he made his directorial debut in 1959 with Dhool Ka Phool,a film based on illegitimacy. He went on to make songless thrillers like Iteffaq,social dramas like Dharamputra,brooding action dramas like Deewar and Trishul,and multi-starrers like Waqt. However,Chopra is today known mostly for his romantic films like Kabhie Kabhie,Silsila,Chandni,Lamhe,Darr,Dil Toh Pagal Hai and Veer Zara.

Born in Lahore on September 27,1932,Chopra moved to India after Partition. His original plan was to go to London to study engineering,but his love for cinema saw him working as an assistant director to I S Johar,and later for his director-producer brother B R Chopra.

In 1973,Chopra established his own banner,Yash Raj Films,and launched it with Daag: A Poem of Love with Rajesh Khanna,Sharmila Tagore and Rakhee.

Chopra won six National Film Awards. He was also honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005 for his contributions to Indian cinema.

As a filmmaker,Chopra never feared to walk the unconventional path. His take on man-woman relationships wasn’t just reserved for a walk around the trees. He addressed different hues of love — ranging from the infatuated to the obsessive,extra-marital,eternal and cross-border.

His collaboration with the top male stars of their time led to many blockbluster hits. He brought back Rajesh Khanna with Daag. He created the brooding angry young man image for Amitabh Bachchan in Deewar and Trishul,and later re-invented Bachchan as a lover boy in films like Kabhie Kabhie and Silsila.

His association with Shah Rukh Khan began with the 1993 romantic psychological thriller film Darr,which turned out to be a superhit. Since then,Chopra has directed three more romantic films,all starring Khan — Dil To Pagal Hai (1997),Veer Zaara (2004) and Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) — establishing the actor as the modern-day lover boy for Indian cinema.

Chopra’s cinematic vision and business acumen made Yash Raj Films the country’s leading film production company. His dream was to make a world-class film studio,and he was very happy to have achieved it.

After watching Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge directed by son Aditya,Chopra famously said,“I am reassured that the future of Yash Raj Films is in safe hands.”

Bollywood Bytes

Juhi Chawla

I am so shocked to hear of his sudden demise. I met him the other day at Amitabh Bachchanji’s birthday party and he was joking with me for so long. Getting to work in a Yashji film was the greatest achievement of my life. I had worked in Aaina,a movie produced by the banner,but when Yashji called me for Darr,I was overwhelmed. On Yashji’s set everything was so organised. He had a bound script and he knew exactly what he wanted from his actors.

Sridevi

I am deeply saddened by the shocking news of Yashji’s passing away. He was so full of warmth and affection whenever we met. He will be missed forever.

Kirron Kher

Mr Chopra has been family to us ever since Anupam started working in the industry. He would often have his tea and breakfast at their house even until recently. Losing him has been like losing the hand of an elder that is always on your head in a way of blessing. But the loss will be greatest for Pamela,his wife,who has been by his side throughout – they would always travel together,be together. It is tragic that he couldn’t see the release of his last movie.

Anil Kapoor

It is a great loss to everyone that Yashji is no more. An entire chapter in the history of Indian cinema is over. I have had the privilege to work with him in his films as well as those under his banner. He was a man of versatility. My films with him,Vijay,Mashaal and Lamhe,have all been different. Some of his films were way ahead of their time,especially Lamhe. A subject like that,if addressed today,may have worked. That was his vision.

Vinod Khanna

I am taken aback by this sad news. One of the few filmmakers with the ability to transcend across time,I have been lucky to have worked with him. Right from the early days,one aspect I admired about him always was his interest in all kinds of cinema. He would keep himself informed of various filmmakers across India and abroad. Maybe this is why he could make films on subjects and themes that were contemporary and sometimes taboo also.

Kajol

I am truly shocked. I don’t know how to react or what to say. He was a true veteran and an era is over with his passing. He will be missed.

Tweets

Amitabh Bachchan ‏@SrBachchan

T 906 – Yash Chopra passes away .. Just now a hour ago ..

Ali Zafar ‏@AliZafarsays

I am in shock. Yash Chopra jee passed away ? What a man. What a loss :( can never forget his warmth,encouragement and humility.

Mahesh Bhatt ‏@MaheshNBhatt

Heartbreaking news Yash Chopra passes away!

Narendra Modi ‏@narendramodi

Yash Chopra ji made a mark as an excellent film maker. Indian film industry & movie lovers will truly miss him. May his soul rest in peace.

Suresh Raina ‏@ImRaina

The film maker of all times ..shri Yash chopra passes away ..another legend is no more ..a very big loss to creativity ..god bless his soul

Lara Dutta Bhupathi ‏@DuttaLara

All I ever really knew of Hindi films began with Yash uncles brand of cinema. RIP Yash Chopra ji. Will miss you terribly.

yuvraj singh ‏@YUVSTRONG12

Sad to hear about mr yash chopra! May his soul rest in peace

Bipasha Basu ‏@bipsluvurself

We lost the iconic,inspiring n always smiling Yash Chopra today.Saddened and shocked by this news.He will be missed forever.RIP Yash Uncle.

sushmita sen ‏@thesushmitasen

Mr. Yash Chopra..a legend of love and love stories passes away :( my condolences to all his loved ones. Deeply saddened. Rest in Peace Sir…