How Prem Chopra & Jeetendra Became Friends During Struggle Days

In an exclusive interview with Lehren, veteran actor Prem Chopra recalls how his friendship with Jeetendra developed even before they became actors.

Yesteryear superstars of Bollywood- Jeetendra, Rakesh Roshan and Prem Chopra share a close bond since decades. They have seen each other grow and have stuck together through the ups and downs of life. Prem Chopra and Jeetendra’s friendship dates back to the time when they weren’t even introduced to the big screen. Not many people know that Prem Chopra and Jeetendra developed their friendship when they were struggling to find a break in the Bollywood industry. In the late 50s, the young and handsome men stayed in Colaba and travelled to different studios every day to drop their portfolios and give auditions.

In the latest interview with senior journalist Bharathi S Pradhan, Prem Chopra recalled the good old days. He said, “Jeetendra and I were best of friends. We stayed in same building in Colaba near the Colaba post office. Both he and I were struggling actors. Nikalte the hum maidaan-e-jung mein. And we used to come back in the evening with dull faces. One day, we thought that we should travel together in the same car since we used to go to the same place. Otherwise, we had to spend on petrol two times. We had very funny moments together which I cannot tell in the interview.”

Commenting on the work they did together, Prem said, “I did many films with him. He was underestimated as an actor but he was a very natural actor. That’s why he stayed for 30 years as a leading man. No leading man has stayed for that long.”

Also Watch: “Rajesh Khanna Was Misunderstood By Some People” – Prem Chopra

Prem Chopra then also recalled how he developed a friendship with Rakesh Roshan. He said, “My brother became a producer. That was the wrong thing he did but he wanted to get out of job and wanted to work in the film line. Anyway! I had seen Rakesh Roshan at a funeral and the spotlight was on him. I think it was his father’s funeral. So, I suggested to my brother that you should seek this boy because he is very popular. We signed him. I was also working in my brother’s film. That’s how it started. Then we became very good friends.”

Jeetendra, Prem Chopra and Rakesh Roshan are good pals and have casual meet-ups as and when they get time.

Must Watch: What Made Dilip Kumar An All-Time Legend – Prem Chopra Reveals!

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