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The filmmaker who not only closely observed every changing era of cinema but also gave it new direction. Initially, his first film flopped, but it was not in his nature to give up. He created stories that became a mirror of society. From films based on bold themes and human emotions to religious and social serials on television, he transformed the mindset of audiences. This director, who made TV a “temple in every home,” gave entertainment new dignity. He was not just a filmmaker but a tradition of storytelling. We are talking about Baldev Raj Chopra, known as B.R. Chopra, who immortalised his name in the history of Indian cinema with timeless works like ‘Mahabharat‘, ‘Naye Daur‘, and ‘Waqt‘. Baldev Raj (B.R.) Chopra was a legendary producer and director of Indian cinema and television. Throughout his career, he made many brilliant films like ‘Dastaan‘, ‘Tawaif‘, and ‘Baghban‘. His TV show ‘Mahabharat‘ still lives on in people’s minds. Even though B.R. Chopra is no longer with us, he remains alive in our hearts through his films and TV shows. Baldev Raj Chopra witnessed the era of silent films, the first talking film, and the transition from black and white to colour. This legendary filmmaker of Hindi cinema delivered a string of blockbuster hits. Around 1946, B.R. Chopra began a film based on I.S. Johar’s story ‘Chandni Chowk‘. The script was completed and shooting began, but in 1947, independence arrived and riots broke out during Partition, forcing him to shelve his project. He then moved to Delhi, and after a brief stay, he moved to Mumbai. In 1949, he directed the film ‘Karvat‘, which flopped. His first directorial venture, ‘Afsana‘ (1951), starring Ashok Kumar, became a superhit. In 1955, he established his own production house, B.R. Films, under which he produced Dilip Kumar and Vyjayantimala’s film ‘Naye Daur‘. He subsequently delivered several superhit films, including ‘Gumrah‘, ‘Kanoon‘, ‘Sadhna‘, ‘Pati-Patni Aur Woh‘, ‘Humraaz‘, ‘Nikaah‘, ‘Karma‘, ‘Ek Hi Raasta‘, and ‘Baabul‘, which left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. B.R. Chopra gained recognition in every household with his 1988 TV show ‘Mahabharat‘. At a time when television wasn’t available in every household, entire villages would gather together to watch the epic. But before that, he created the TV serial ‘Chunni‘, which aired on Doordarshan 38 years ago in 1987. This was a time when television programmes were limited. This story of two friends from Punjab moved everyone to tears. It depicts childhood friendship, love, separation, and, beyond that, the barrier of religion. B.R. Chopra’s last film was ‘Bhootnath‘. B.R. Chopra’s contributions were not limited to entertainment. He enriched Indian cinema with new directions and stories based on serious themes. In 1998, he was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema. B.R. Chopra passed away on November 5, 2008, but the films and television shows he created remain alive in people’s hearts. He will always be remembered as the creator of ‘Mahabharat‘. His films and television works not only entertained but also brought Indian culture and values to audiences.
