Baldev Raj Chopra (b. 1914)

Hindi director and producer born in Ludhiana, Punjab. He is the elder brother of Yash Chopra. Studied at the University of Lahore. Worked on fringe of Lahore-based film industry with Pancholi group and later as film journalist. Edited the Cine Herald (1937-47) at Lahore. After Partition moved to Delhi where he was briefly assistant editor of The Listener (1947), then to Bombay. Started as a producer for Shri Gopal Pics (Karwat, 1949, apparently also directing the film). The success of Chandni Chowk allowed him to found B.R. Films (1956). One of the most influential émigrés from Lahore (with A.R. Kardar and Roop K. Shorey) who imported their lumpenised versions of Hollywood suspense thrillers and melodrama. Since the mid-70s the Hindi film industry’s senior spokesman and a regular contributor to Screen (Bombay) in late 60s and 70s, influencing the film-financing policy of the NFDC. Now concentrates on the business affairs of his company, leaving direction to his son Ravi who is credited as co- director on the 94 episodes of the TV serial Mahabharat, running on Doordarshan in 1988-90, with peak audience at 75% of the urban adult population and over Rs 10 million advertising revenue per episode. Also co- directed Kal Ki Awaaz with Ravi Chopra.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1949: Karwat (uncredited); 1951: Afsana; 1953: Sholay; 1954: Chandni Chowk; 1956: Ek Hi Raasta; 1957: Naya Daur; 1958: Sadhana; 1960: Kanoon; 1963: Gumrah; 1967: Hamraaz; 1972: Dastaan; 1973: Dhund; 1977: Karm; 1978: Pati Patni Aur Woh; 1980: Insaaf Ka Tarazu; 1982: Nikaah; 1985: Tawaif; 1986: Bahadur Shah Zafar (TV); 1987: Awaam; 1988: Mahabharat (TV); 1992: Kal Ki Awaaz; Sauda (TV).

Director

Producer