Ranjeet recalls calling Prem Chopra 'Thakur' in warm reunion post
Synopsis
Two of Bollywood's most feared screen villains — Ranjeet and Prem Chopra — reunited recently, and Ranjeet's affectionate social media post, calling the 90-year-old legend 'Thakur' and praising his self-deprecating humour, is a rare, warm glimpse into a friendship forged across decades of iconic cinema.
Key Takeaways
Ranjeet visited Prem Chopra at his residence and shared a social media post on 8 July marking the reunion.
Ranjeet revealed he has always called Prem Chopra 'Thakur' and described him as someone who 'loves to crack jokes on himself.' Prem Chopra , aged 90 , has acted in more than 380 films over a career spanning more than six decades .
Ranjeet , aged 83 , continues to be active in films, television, and public appearances.
Prem Chopra was hospitalised at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital last year for chest congestion but made a full recovery.
Veteran actor Ranjeet reunited with fellow screen legend Prem Chopra and shared the moment with fans through a social media post on 8 July, revealing that he has always addressed the iconic actor as 'Thakur' and describing him as someone who 'loves to crack jokes on himself.'
The Reunion Post
Ranjeet shared a photograph from his visit to Prem Chopra's residence, accompanied by a heartfelt note. In his own words: 'Sharing old memories with Thakur Prem Chopra, this is how I always address him, went to his house nd had great time, indeed a lovely person, he loves to crack jokes on himself also...'
The image shows the two veteran actors seated together on a sofa in Chopra's living room, with Prem Chopra holding his friend's arm in a gesture of warmth and affection.
Legends of Bollywood's Golden Era
During the golden era of Bollywood in the 1970s and 1980s, both Ranjeet and Prem Chopra became synonymous with memorable negative characters on the Hindi screen.
Prem Chopra had already cemented his place as one of the industry's most feared antagonists in the 1960s, with standout roles in films such as 'Shaheed', 'Upkar', 'Do Raaste', 'Kati Patang', and 'Bobby'. Ranjeet, meanwhile, rose to prominence as a terrifying screen villain in the early 1970s, delivering memorable performances in 'Sharmeelee', 'Laawaris', 'Namak Halaal', 'Muqaddar Ka Sikandar', and 'Rocky', among many others.
Iconic Dialogue and Shared Legacy
Prem Chopra's trademark line — 'Prem naam hai mera... Prem Chopra' — from 'Bobby' remains one of the most iconic villain introductions in Bollywood history. Together, the two actors redefined the screen antagonist, frequently sharing space with legendary stars including Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, Jeetendra, Vinod Khanna, and Shashi Kapoor.
Where They Stand Today
Prem Chopra, now 90 years old, has appeared in more than 380 films across a career spanning over six decades. Ranjeet, 83, continues to remain active through films, television, and public appearances.
Notably, last year Prem Chopra sparked concern among fans after he was admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital due to chest congestion and age-related health complications. He subsequently underwent treatment and made a successful recovery before being discharged. This reunion, then, carries added emotional weight — a reminder of enduring friendship and resilience.
Point of View
Ranjeet's unscripted social media post stands apart — it is personal, unpolished, and genuinely affectionate. What it also quietly underscores is how little institutional space Indian cinema makes for its veteran character actors once the limelight fades. Prem Chopra, with over 380 films and one of the most quoted villain dialogues in Hindi film history, warranted far more than a hospitalisation scare to remind audiences he is still with us. The reunion is charming; the broader neglect it hints at is worth reflecting on.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ranjeet call Prem Chopra 'Thakur'?
Ranjeet revealed in his social media post that 'Thakur' is simply the affectionate nickname he has always used for Prem Chopra, reflecting the warmth of their long friendship. He did not elaborate on the specific origin of the nickname.
How old is Prem Chopra and how many films has he acted in?
Prem Chopra is currently 90 years old and has appeared in more than 380 films across a career spanning over six decades, making him one of Bollywood's most prolific character actors.
What is Prem Chopra's most famous dialogue?
Prem Chopra's most iconic line is 'Prem naam hai mera... Prem Chopra' from the 1973 film 'Bobby' , widely regarded as one of the greatest villain introductions in Bollywood history.
Was Prem Chopra hospitalised recently?
Yes, last year Prem Chopra was admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital due to chest congestion and age-related health complications. He underwent treatment and made a successful recovery before being discharged.
Which films made Ranjeet and Prem Chopra famous as Bollywood villains?
Prem Chopra rose to fame with films including 'Shaheed' , 'Upkar' , 'Kati Patang' , and 'Bobby' , while Ranjeet became prominent through 'Sharmeelee' , 'Muqaddar Ka Sikandar' , 'Namak Halaal' , and 'Laawaris' , among others.
