Yash Chopra birth anniversary: Avtar Gill pays tribute to 'King of Romance'
Synopsis
On Yash Chopra's birth anniversary, veteran actor Avtar Gill shared a moving Instagram tribute, recalling their collaboration on Mashaal and describing the legendary director's warmth off-screen. The post is a reminder that Chopra's legacy — Deewaar, Chandni, Veer-Zaara, a Dadasaheb Phalke Award — remains deeply personal to those who worked with him.
Key Takeaways
Avtar Gill paid tribute to Yash Chopra on his birth anniversary on 27 September 2026 via an Instagram post.
Gill recalled working with Chopra on Mashaal ( 1984 ) and also on Noorie and Sawaal under the Yash Raj Films banner.
Chopra directed iconic films including Deewaar (1975), Chandni (1989), and Veer-Zaara (2004), among others.
He received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005 .
His final directorial, Jab Tak Hai Jaan ( 2012 ), starred Shah Rukh Khan , Katrina Kaif , and Anushka Sharma ; Chopra passed away on 21 October 2012 .
Veteran actor Avtar Gill paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra on his birth anniversary on Sunday, 27 September, remembering him as the 'forever King of Romance' and one of the greatest storytellers in the history of Indian cinema.
Avtar Gill's Instagram Post
Sharing a black-and-white photograph alongside the iconic director on his official Instagram handle, Gill wrote: 'Remembering the legendary Yash Chopra ji on his birth anniversary. One of the greatest filmmakers and storytellers in the history of Indian cinema, and forever the King of Romance. As the founder of Yash Raj Films, Yash ji created a legacy that continues to inspire generations.'
Gill recalled his personal experience working with Chopra, noting it as a defining chapter of his career. 'I feel truly fortunate to have worked with him on Mashaal, which he directed, and to have also been a part of Noorie and Sawaal under the Yash Raj Films banner,' he wrote.
A Bond Beyond the Camera
Beyond professional admiration, Gill described the filmmaker's off-screen persona with equal warmth. 'Beyond his brilliance as a filmmaker, I will always remember Yash ji for his warmth, kindness and the affection he showed me, both on and off set. He left a very special impression on me,' he added. Gill concluded his tribute calling Chopra 'a true legend, a wonderful human being, and an unforgettable part of my journey.'
Yash Chopra's Cinematic Legacy
Over a career spanning several decades, Yash Chopra directed some of Bollywood's most enduring classics, including Deewaar (1975), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Chandni (1989), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), and Veer-Zaara (2004). His body of work defined the visual language of romance in Hindi cinema for an entire generation of audiences.
He was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005, recognising his immense contribution to Indian cinema. As the founder of Yash Raj Films, one of India's most prolific production houses, his institutional influence extended well beyond his own directorial work.
His Final Film and Passing
Chopra's last directorial venture was the 2012 romantic drama Jab Tak Hai Jaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma. He passed away on 21 October 2012, just weeks after the film's release, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape Hindi cinema. Tributes from the film fraternity on anniversaries such as this one reflect the enduring affection in which he is held across generations of Indian filmmakers and film lovers alike.
Point of View
The warmth that collaborators recall decades later says something about his craft of people as much as his craft of cinema. What is also worth noting is the institutional durability of Yash Raj Films: founded by one man, it remains one of Hindi cinema's dominant production houses long after his passing. The anniversary tributes are not nostalgia — they are evidence of a legacy that is still actively shaping the industry.
NationPress
27 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Yash Chopra and why is he called the King of Romance?
Yash Chopra was an iconic Indian filmmaker and founder of Yash Raj Films, celebrated for bringing sweeping romantic narratives to Hindi cinema through films like Chandni, Dil To Pagal Hai, and Veer-Zaara. His distinctive visual style — lush Swiss landscapes, lyrical storytelling — earned him the enduring title 'King of Romance.'
What did Avtar Gill say about Yash Chopra on his birth anniversary?
Avtar Gill shared a black-and-white photograph with Yash Chopra on Instagram, calling him 'one of the greatest filmmakers and storytellers in the history of Indian cinema.' He also recalled Chopra's warmth and kindness on and off set during their collaboration on Mashaal, Noorie, and Sawaal.
Which films did Avtar Gill work on with Yash Chopra?
Avtar Gill worked with Yash Chopra on Mashaal (1984), which Chopra directed, and also appeared in Noorie and Sawaal, both produced under the Yash Raj Films banner.
What awards did Yash Chopra receive during his lifetime?
Yash Chopra was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001, India's highest film honour, and the Padma Bhushan in 2005 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
What was Yash Chopra's last film?
Yash Chopra's final directorial was the 2012 romantic drama Jab Tak Hai Jaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma. He passed away on 21 October 2012, shortly after the film's release.
