Mumbai, April 21: B.R. Chopra is a name that cannot be overlooked when discussing the legendary filmmakers of Hindi cinema. Throughout his career, he delivered numerous memorable films, but an intriguing story related to his 1957 release, ‘Naya Daur,’ continues to spark conversations. This film’s narrative was initially rejected by several prominent filmmakers, including the renowned director Mahboob Khan.
Chopra’s contribution to the industry extended beyond mere entertainment; he brought serious themes to audiences, offering new perspectives. In 1998, he was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest accolade in Indian cinema. It is said that he embodied a filmmaker who was an institution, a school, and cinema itself. B.R. Chopra’s birthday is celebrated on April 22.
In an interview, Chopra revealed that the story of ‘Naya Daur’ was shared with him by his friend and writer F.A. Mirza. The plot revolves around the struggle between humans and machines, focusing on the life of a cart driver. During that era, this subject was considered quite unconventional and risky.
Interestingly, this story was presented to several well-known filmmakers before Chopra, but all rejected it. Some labeled it as ‘documentary-like,’ while others dismissed it as ‘nonsense.’ Even Mahboob Khan disregarded the narrative, referring to it as ‘the story of a cart driver.’
Despite the skepticism, B.R. Chopra saw potential in the story. He resolved to make the film, insisting that it be shot in villages and open spaces to convey its authenticity and impact to the audience.
One day, Mahboob Khan visited Chopra’s home, advising him against making the film, warning that it could lead to his downfall. Khan even stated, “You will be finished with this film.” Nevertheless, Chopra remained steadfast in his decision to release the film.
What followed after the film’s release became history. ‘Naya Daur’ turned out to be a massive box office success, running for an extended period in theaters. It won the hearts of audiences and carved a unique identity due to its story and message. During the film’s silver jubilee celebration, Mahboob Khan called Chopra to inquire about the chief guest for the event, jokingly suggesting he would attend as the main guest. On that occasion, he publicly acknowledged that he had not liked the story initially, but praised Chopra’s courage and conviction.
Mahboob Khan admitted that the film exceeded his expectations and credited Chopra’s bravery and determination for its success. He recognized the importance of a filmmaker’s trust in their decisions.
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Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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