Breaking stereotypes one film at a time, the revolutionary filmmaker and cinematic genius, Yash Chopra was born on 27th September, 1932. He paved the way for Indian Cinema with his pitch-perfect filmmaking and storytelling.
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker from his early daysYash Raj Films (YRF)
His journey began from the lush green fields of Punjab, which kept reappearing in his films in all their splendour. His passion for cinema was unwavering since his youthful days.
He travelled alone by train far from his hometown, Jalandhar in Punjab to Delhi, to watch first day-first show of Raj Kapoor directed films – that’s the kind of zeal he had. This shaped his cinematic imagination for years ahead.
Yash Chopra with B.R. Chopra, his elder brother and mentor, the veteran filmmakerYash Raj Films (YRF)
A film enthusiast, Yash Chopra started out as an assistant to his brother, a celebrated director B. R. Chopra. He made his directorial debut with the film Dhool Ka Phool (1959) on a socially relevant subject which turned out to be a success at the box office.
He went on to direct 4 other successful films under his brother’s banner - B. R. Films, each of which proved to be a significant milestone in his development as a world class director of blockbusters.
These were Dharmputra (1961), Waqt (1965) - India’s first true multi-starrer generational family drama, Ittefaq (1969) & Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969).
A King of Romance in Films
A Yash Chopra directed film had an engaging screenplay and sigh-inducing locales. The hero in sweaters and heroine draped in lovely sarees romanced in the beautiful snow-capped mountains, among the tall lush green trees and gorgeous flower fields. The actors went on to become iconic after appearing in a Yash Chopra film.
Gaining significant experience and success, the free-spirited Yash Chopra decided to step out of his comfort zone of directing films under his brother’s banner and embarked on an ambitious venture of forming his independent production company ‘Yash Raj Films’ in 1970.
His films were not just about screenplay, dialogues and breath-taking visuals. They were also accredited with music that went on to become classics and still continues to enjoy tremendous recall value over generations. The musical scores and signature tunes which carried his story forward have become love anthems for romances till date.
Yash Chopra with Sahir Ludhianvi, the lyricistYash Raj Films (YRF)
Yash Chopra with ace lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi, whom he considered an inspiration. They forged a personal bond in early years when Yash Chopra assisted in films like Naya Daur (1957)...
...and then from Dhool Ka Phool in 1959 till Kaala Patthar in 1979, all Yash Chopra directed films in Sahir Ludhianvi’s lifetime had lyrics by the renowned wordsmith.
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar the legendary singersYash Raj Films (YRF)
At the recording of a duet for Mashaal (1984), with Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. The legendary singers had also sung various duets in earlier Yash Chopra films like Daag (1973), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Trishul (1978), Kaala Patthar (1979) and Silsila (1981).
Yash Chopra, the director with Shiv-Hari, the composer & Asha Bhosle, the ace singerYash Raj Films (YRF)
With composers Shiv-Hari and the legendary Asha Bhosle at the recording of Faasle (1985).
With Chandni (1989), Anand Bakshi became the lyricist for all Yash Chopra films and the fruitful association resulted in the memorable songs of films like Lamhe (1991), Darr (1993), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) and Mohabbatein (2000).
To the left, he's seen at a recording of Veer-Zaara (2004) with Lata Mangeshkar, who has been the constant female voice in every Yash Chopra film from Daag (1973) till Veer-Zaara (2004), resulting in songs that are ever popular. And to the right, with singer Udit Narayan, who also sang in many earlier films like Darr (1993), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and Dil To Pagal Hai (1997).
The music of Veer-Zaara (2004) was based on compositions of the late Madan Mohan. At the completion of the recordings, with Lata Mangeshkar and Sanjeev Kohli.
Yash Chopra, the filmmarker with A.R.Rahman, the music maestroYash Raj Films (YRF)
At a recording for his last film Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), with composer A.R. Rahman, with whom he teamed for the first time.
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker rejoicing his laurelsYash Raj Films (YRF)
His accomplishments as director were staggering but his radical choices as a producer were simply noteworthy. He chose subjects that were socially relevant within the parameters of commercial cinema.
His way of storytelling resonated with older and younger generations alike.
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Ms. Ursula Andress, a Swiss Hollywood Celebrity at Swiss Filmfare Awards (2002-02-16)Yash Raj Films (YRF)
His work was acclaimed and celebrated at various occasions and award ceremonies. Yash Chopra was the only film-maker to have won the National Award six times.
He won the Filmfare Award eight times – and was the only director to have won this award eight times – and various other awards, innumerable times.
In 2001, he was chosen for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the topmost and the highest honour given in the Indian film industry for his contributions. In 2005, he was bestowed the coveted Padma Bhushan Award, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. Both of these were presented by the then Honourable President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.
On the occasion of 100 years of Indian Cinema,
India Post (Department of Post, India) released commemorative postage stamps depicting 50 iconic personalities from various fields of Indian Cinema. A special stamp was devoted to Yash Chopra in May 2013 for his cinematic contribution over the years.
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Pamela Chopra, felicitated with the ‘Swiss Ambassador’s Award 2010’ (2011)Yash Raj Films (YRF)
Switzerland was unabashedly one of his favourite countries to shoot his films. Owing to showcasing the country’s beauty across films, the Embassy of Switzerland felicitated Yash Chopra with the ‘Swiss Ambassador’s Award 2010’ in October 2010.
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Urs Kessler, the CEO of Jungfrau Railways (2011)Yash Raj Films (YRF)
Furthermore, the Jungfrau Railways in Switzerland named a train after the director called the ‘Yash Chopra Train’
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Urs Kessler, the CEO of Jungfrau Railways (2011)Yash Raj Films (YRF)
Yash Chopra Suite at the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (2011)Yash Raj Films (YRF)
A suite in the luxurious Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa was also named after him.
Pamela Chopra and Rani Mukerji strike a pose with the statue of Yash Chopra (2016)Yash Raj Films (YRF)
As a mark of gratitude, the Swiss Government, in May 2016, honoured the incredible work of Yash Chopra with a special bronze sculpture. Weighing 350 kilos, this sculpture captures him in his element. The statue is installed in the heart of Interlaken in Switzerland.
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker enacting a shotYash Raj Films (YRF)
The man had vision. It was an absolute delight for every actor to have him as a director. He created magic on and off-screen while shooting the film.
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Dharmendra and Saira Banu, the actorsYash Raj Films (YRF)
Yash Chopra with lead pair Dharmendra and Saira Banu during Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969), a film he directed for B. R. Films.
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Rakhee & Sharmila Tagore, the actressesYash Raj Films (YRF)
Enhancing a dramatic scene between Rakhee and Sharmila Tagore for Daag (1973), the first film he made under his own banner.
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Dev Anand and Hema Malini, the actorsYash Raj Films (YRF)
Briefing the lead pair Dev Anand and Hema Malini during the outdoor shoot of Joshila (1973), a film he directed for Trimurti Films.
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Amitabh Bachchan, the actorYash Raj Films (YRF)
Getting set for an intense scene in Kaala Patthar (1979) featuring the reigning superstar Amitabh Bachchan, an actor he directed most often, including in films Deewaar (1975), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Trishul (1978) and Silsila (1981).
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan, the actorsYash Raj Films (YRF)
Directing Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan during the outdoor shoot in Holland for the song “Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum” in Silsila (1981).
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Rishi Kapoor, the actorYash Raj Films (YRF)
Rehearsing with Rishi Kapoor, who played the lead in Chandni (1989) after having also worked earlier in Kabhi Kabhie (1976).
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Sridevi, the actressYash Raj Films (YRF)
At the shoot of the popular song “Mere Haathon Mein”, briefing Sridevi, who played the title role in Chandni (1989).
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Shah Rukh Khan, the actorYash Raj Films (YRF)
Briefing Shah Rukh Khan during the outdoor shoot of Dil To Pagal hai (1997).
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Preity Zinta, the actressYash Raj Films (YRF)
Enacting an intense scene for Preity Zinta at the shoot of Veer-Zaara (2004).
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker with Anushka Sharma, the actressYash Raj Films (YRF)
Ever young in conceiving a romantic scene, with Anushka Sharma at the outdoor shoot for Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012).
Yash Chopra in Conversation with Karan Johar
A plethora of beautiful narratives, experiences and emotions. Yash Chopra shares his cinematic insights and always talks with immense passion about his one love – Films.
Yash Chopra Special
A Yash Chopra film premiere always meant extravagance. He celebrated his films & he lived through them.
Yash Chopra Behind The Scenes
Shooting for a Yash Chopra film was an experience in itself. Here are few glimpses of all the fascinating action that went behind making the masterpieces.
Yash Chopra and his Divas... A Romance Forever...
Yash Chopra speaks of women being God's most beautiful creation and how he considered it his duty to present them in the most graceful way on celluloid...
Yash Chopra, the filmmaker directing a shotYash Raj Films (YRF)
Spanning over 5 decades, 80 plus films were made under the banner that he launched - the banner that stands for the best of Hindi cinema - YRF. Yash Chopra’s greatest films paved and defined romance in Hindi films as we know them today.
Some of the highly successful films which Yash Chopra directed are Daag (1973), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Kaala Patthar (1979), Silsila (1981), Chandni (1989), Darr (1993), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Veer-Zaara (2004) and Jab Tak Jaan (2012).
On his 80th birthday, during an interview with Shah Rukh Khan, he announced that Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) will be his last directorial venture. It was also the last time, his cinematic brilliance was translated on screen.
A fitting end to a glorious career, a film to wrap up decades of fine work - Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma was Yash Chopra’s last film as a director. He passed away on 21 October 2012 (at the age of 80) leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
The film released on 13 November 2012 to an overwhelming response worldwide and was one of the top grossers of the year.
Yash Chopra admiring the logo of Yash Raj Films at the YRF StudioYash Raj Films (YRF)
Yash Chopra walked a path marked by unexpected journeys. He faced hurdles but overcame them all. His vision was to create a unique studio model rivalling the best in the world. And Yash Raj Films today is India’s first fully integrated studio and a leading production house in the country.
Yash Chopra, the director on a film setYash Raj Films (YRF)
Ahead of its times, yet timeless, he always took the road of unconventional and path-breaking cinema. He changed the style of Hindi Cinema… forever.
He continues to remain a champion of love. Even after decades, Yash Chopra’s creative legacy remains undiminished, and a new YRF film continues to remain the most anticipated event in the film calendar of Indian cinema.
