I am happy being a villain, says Prem Chopra

Veteran Bollywood actor Prem Chopra, who made his mark as a popular villain in the 60s and 70s says he is happy playing the baddie on-screen.
"I was honest and hard working actor. I am happy with the kind of work I have done. I have no regrets. I am happy being a villain," Chopra said on the launch of the book written on him by daughter Rakita.
On the occasion, the 78-year-old screen legend even spoke his eternal dialogue 'Prem naam hai mera... Prem Chopra', which is also the title the book.
The book was unveiled today in the presence of family members besides host of celebrities including Akshay Kumar, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Manoj Kumar and Vidhu Vinod Chopra.

Rakita who is married to award-winning film publicity designer Rahul Nanda, penned the 230-page book chronicling the life the life and career of one of the most loved villains of the Indian film industry.
He is one of the few actors to have worked for more than five decades -- from black and white era to the new millennium.

Chopra recollected that he fell in love with acting during his college days. He did act in theatre groups and he won prizes.
"I did plays in Hindi, English, Punjabi and Urdu. All of this encouraged me to become an actor. After my BA, I told my father I want to act in films. He refused at first later after seeing my dedication he allowed me to go to Bombay. He had one condition that since I had graduated, I had to find myself a job first," Chopra said.

He landed a job in the circulation department of The Times of India.
"I was their circulation inspector, handling Bengal, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh. I would have to travel 20 days a month; in the remaining 10 days, I would struggle to become an actor. I realised that it is not easy to get into films. All the producers would say leave your address, but nobody ever called," Chopra said.