Book Review: Bade prem se

Prem Naam Hai Mera Prem Chopra
Publisher: Rainlight/Rupa
Price: 495
Pages: 233

Going by his lecherous look and lascivious smile, anyone would think that Prem Chopra was born to be a villain. But the veteran actor reveals in his autobiography that he actually wanted to become a hero and tried really hard to be one. Unfortunately for him, and fortunately for hundreds of filmmakers with whom he has worked, this simple and good looking man had to become a vile man onscreen. And Prem Chopra committed his crimes with such intensity that viewers actually started hating him, taking his onscreen avatar for his real self. Now that's some compliment for an actor! In this memoir, penned by his daughter Rakita Nanda and told in Prem Chopra's words, he reveals the story behind the man people loved to hate.

Prem Naam Hai Mera Prem Chopra, his only dialogue in Bobby made him the most-hated villain of that time. Thankfully, for him during those days Pran (who held the title of most-hated viallin before Chopra) was looking more for positive roles than the ones which made him popular. Chopra emerged as a good looking and suave man with mean streak among the group of ugly goons.

The book goes on to explain the psyche behind a man who regularly plays a bad man onscreen, is bashed up by 'hero' and many times is cursed by the heroine. Not to mention the hateful eyes of the normal folks he has to bear on road and with friends in public places. In such cases, it was really difficult for Chopra to make sure that his bad image does not affect his personal life. He says in the book, "I often wondered how my children felt seeing me play a bad man and getting beaten up on screen by Amitabh Bachchan. While millions of fans adored him, do you think my kids ever liked him? My kids were constantly told that Papa just plays the bad man. This had to be understood; it was a job that resulted in a good education for them. So they shouldn't believe what they see on the screen..."

The book does justice to the man of Prem Chopra's stature. It delves into his early days, personal life, struggle in the competitive industry and his success story. Moreover, the book is full of anecdotes which make it an absolute interesting read. Chopra's friendship and his simplicity is highlighted by the notes by people he has worked with and also his family members. Grab a copy if you want to read about an interesting life in a short, crisp manner.