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

Prem Chopra recalls working with late actor Rajesh Khanna and shares interesting behind-the-scene anecdotes.

Prem Chopra worked with superstar Rajesh Khanna in several films. “Kati Patang”, “Prem Nagar”, “Doli” are a few to name. Rajesh Khanna was the first superstar of Hindi cinema who made his Bollywood debut in 1966 and delivered 74 Golden Jubilee films between 1966 to 1991, 22 silver jubilee films in 1966–1991 and 9 general hit films in 1966–1996. Rajesh Khanna passed away in 2012.

During a heart-to-heart conversatio with senior journalist Bharathi S Pradhan, veteran actor Prem Chopra opened up about working with Rajesh Khanna and also pointed out the issues people faced because of him. Prem said, “I had a good friendship with him. The first time we worked was “Do Raaste”. In “Upkaar” I did the role of brother but I was not the first choice. The first choice was Rajesh Khanna. Even his costumes were ready and it was one day left for shooting. He was selected by the panel of united producers. He was very happy that he was going to work with Manoj Kumar who had already established himself as a very fine director. When he told those producers about his role, then they collectively told him that this role has a negative shade and we are trying to cast here as a hero. So, he panicked. He discussed it with Manoj and then I was offered the role. Then we did many films like “Kati Patang”, “Prem Nagar”, “Doli”… so many films which were super duper hit. He was a name to reckon with in those days.”

He added, “Rajesh Khanna was a misunderstood man by some people but he was very genuine where the work was concerned. The only problem with him was that if there was a 9 o’clock shift, he would come at 12. So, I had some incidents. I was doing a film in Madras called “Haathi Mere Saathi”. The film’s producer, Chinnappa Thevar, was a very strict man. So, he would send a man to pick up Rajesh Khanna at 6’o clock. But even then, Rajesh Khanna would arrive on set by 11 or 12. After all, he was a very big hero. So, Thevar had appointed a man. The moment Rajesh Khanna would arrive, Thevar would beat up that man and abuse him. He would yell, “Don’t we give you money? Why do you come late?” Rajesh Khanna understood what was happening. He became regular afterwards.”

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When asked how he dealt with indisciplined superstars, Prem said, “Because I was minding my own business. If I am told 9 o’clock, then it is 9 o’clock for me. I had no ego that if he comes late then I should also come late. I was very punctual. I think my honesty and my hard work have kept me on and on for a very long time in the limelight.”

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