Updated on: 26 September, 2024 05:28 PM IST |Prith

Bollywood romantic movies got their evolution from love stories by Yash Chopra. The legendary filmmaker took romance to a whole new level, giving us some of the best and timeless films. On his birth anniversary, heres a look at some lesser-known and interesting facts about Yash Chopra.

1. Career debut
Yash Chopra started his career in Bollywood as an assistant director and made his directorial debut in 1959. Not many people are aware of the fact that the director earlier wanted to pursue his career in engineering. His remarkable contribution to the industry revolutionized Indian cinema forever.
2. Relation with his brother
Yash Chopra has also worked with his elder brother for several movies including Dhool ka Phool, Dharmputra, Waqt, and more. Baldev Raj Chopra was also a renowned and talented director and producer of that time.
3. Production House
The late filmmaker founded his own independent production house named ‘Yash Raj Films,’ which later became one of the well-known production houses in Bolloywood. Even after Yash Chopra's death, the production house continues to make excellent movies.
4. Revolutionary contribution
It was Yash Chopra’s filmmaking that brought an end to the era of violent filmmaking in Bollywood. Some of his best romantic movies that continue to be evergreen are Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayege, Veer Zaara, Kabhi Kabhie, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Chandni, and Jab Tak Hai Jaan, among others.
5. An inspiration to Javed Akhtar
Javed Akhtar’s career as a lyricist was inspired by Yash Chopra. He began his career as a songwriter with Silsila. The movie starred Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha in leading roles. Silsila's songs and the movie as well continue to be evergreen.
6. Switzerland and Chopra
Yash Ji seemed to be very fascinated with the scenic views of Switzerland. He shot several films in the country and also has a train named after him. In return, as a thank-you gesture for promoting Switzerland's scenic beauty through his films, the country's government built a statue in his honor.
7. Awards
During his filmmaking career, the director won many awards including six national awards, Padma Bhushan, and several Filmfare awards, among many.
8. Yash Chopra's last film
The legendary filmmaker died shortly after announcing his retirement. His last film as director was Jab Tak Hain Jaan. A classic Bollywood romance, the movie featured Anushka Sharma, Shah Rukh Khan, and Katrina Kaif in the lead.
9. Lifetime Achievement award
Yash Chopra was awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contribution to the film industry.