Prem Chopra Remembers Manoj Kumar: ‘A Genius Who Had the Guts to Cast Villains in Positive Roles’

Veteran actor Prem Chopra has paid tribute to the late Manoj Kumar, calling him a visionary who dared to cast actors known for negative roles in positive characters. Chopra expressed his deep gratitude to Kumar for giving him the opportunity to play the revolutionary Sukhdev in the 1965 classic Shaheed.

Chopra, who is known for his iconic villainous roles in Bollywood, recalled that Kumar saw beyond his screen persona and had faith in his ability to portray a freedom fighter. “He was a genius, a filmmaker who had the guts to take risks. He believed in me when no one else did,” Chopra said.

Kumar, who passed away on Friday due to age-related ailments at the age of 87, shared a long association with Chopra. The two had previously worked together in the 1964 psychological thriller Woh Kaun Thi?, after which Kumar offered him the pivotal role in Shaheed.

Directed by S. Ram Sharma, Shaheed remains one of Bollywood’s most revered patriotic films, with Kumar playing the legendary Bhagat Singh. The film was instrumental in shaping the way Indian cinema portrayed the freedom struggle.

Chopra emphasized that Kumar’s fearless approach to filmmaking and storytelling set him apart. “He didn’t follow trends; he created them. His films had a purpose, a message, and a deep emotional connect with the audience,” he said.

As the film industry mourns the loss of the legendary actor-filmmaker, tributes continue to pour in from colleagues and admirers who remember him as a pioneer who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.