The 68th annual Filmfare awards were conducted on 27th April at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC, Mumbai. The 68th edition of the Filmfare Awards this year were presented in collaboration with Maharashtra Tourism. This star studded affair was hosted by Salman Khan along with Ayushmann Khurana and Maniesh Paul.
Prem Chopra receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Every year, the Filmfare awards presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to one eminent personality for the exemplary contribution to Hindi cinema. Last year it was awarded to the stellar director Subhash Ghai. This year this honour has been bestowed upon the veteran actor, the stylish villain of the yesteryears Prem Chopra.
He was presented this award by Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha – the honorable Minister of Tourism, Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra. On receiving this award Prem Chopra, thanked his fans and said ‘Artist zinda rehta hai toh fans ki wajah se’. (Fans keep the artist alive)
His film career
Prem Chopra had a remarkable career spanning 50 years in the Hindi film industry. He also has certain Punjabi films to his credit. Prem Chopra has 380 films to his credit. He played the antagonist to Rajesh Khanna in 19 movies which were super hits and brought him great popularity. Movie lovers still swoon over his famous dialogue ‘Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra’ from the 1973 superhit film Bobby. His performances in movies like Woh Kaun Thi, Kati Patang, Teesri Manzil and Upkar brought him fame and recognition.
In a recent interview, Prem Chopra pointed out that he is the only actor to have worked with all the Kapoors starting from Shammi Kapoor to Ranbir Kapoor. At the age of 87, he is still playing interesting characters like that of Ranbir’s grandfather in Rocket Singh: Salesman of the year to Bunty aur Babli 2 in 2021. In his memoir, Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra, penned by his daughter Rakita Nanda, he spoke about how he was always keen on doing negative roles as he always found it challenging.
Highlights of the Filmfare Awards 2023
Gangubai Kathiawadi bagged the most awards while Brahmastra and Badhaai Do too were running for a close second. Stars Janhvi Kapoor, Tiger Shroff and Jacqueline Fernandez set the stage on fire with their performances. The audience cheered loudly for Salman Khan’s performance on his songs from Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. The Filmfare awards will be aired on Colors TV and Jio Cinema on 28th April, 9 pm onwards.