BR Chopra wins Phalke at last

BR Chopra, the 85-year-old filmmaker who has won almost all the major awards in the country, now has a new one to top them all, the Dadasaheb Phalke for 1998 for his long and outstanding contributions to Indian cinema. Dr Chopra, who, despite indifferent health still visits office these days, got the news from New Delhi while sitting in with his story department on discussions for a forthcoming project. He was silent a moment, thanked the caller, then stood up with folded hands in thanksgiving to God.

“It is the climax of my career. I’m thrilled at the honour, especially as it comes from the government,” he said. In addition to the cash prize (now doubled to Rs 2 lakh), Dr Chopra will receive a Swarna Kamal, a citation and a shawl which will be presented to him by President, KR Narayanan during the 46 national film awards function in November.

Dr Chopra, a Master of Arts in English Literature from Lahore was a journalist and author in Lahore from 1938 to 1947, before migrating to Mumbai and taking up filmmaking as a career. He first made Karwat, Afsana, Shole and Chandni Chowk. He launched his own banner, BR Films, in 1956 with Ek Hi Raasta and there’s been no looking back for him since.

An important feature of his work has been the messages he blends into the fabric of his stories, an indication of his social commitment. He has made 33 feature films, 3 telefilms and 8 teleserials, including the phenomenally successful epic, Mahabharat.

Among Dr Chopra’s memorable films are Ek Hi Raasta, Naya Daur, Sadhna, Dhool Ka Phool, Kanoon, Gumrah, Waqt, Humraaz (he became the first recipient of the national award for best director for the film), Ittefaq, Dastaan, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Insaaf Ka Tarazu, The Burning Train (directed by his son, Ravi), Nikaah, Mazdoor, Aaj Ki Awaaz, Kal Ki Awaaz, Tawaif and Awaam.

Meanwhile, BR Films is all set to launch a new film to be directed by son Ravi Chopra while the TV wing is busy as ever to keep the BR banner flying high.

Ali Peter John