Yash Chopra: Fifty years in Indian cinema

World Directors

by Rachel Dwyer

From his directorial debut in 1959 with Dhool ka Phool, this book spans Yash Chopra's four decades as a director describing some memorable classics like Deewar and Kabhi Kabhie. It journeys with him to his advent as a producer in 1973, enumerating his enormous box-office hits during the '90s, including Dilwalw, Dulhania le Jayenge. Many illustrations, including color.

Genres: Biography

256 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2002

About the author

Rachel Dwyer is Professor of Indian Cultures and Cinema at SOAS, University of London. She took her BA in Sanskrit at SOAS, followed by an MPhil in General Linguistics and Comparative Philology at the University of Oxford. She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in cinema and supervises PhD research on Indian cinema.

Reviews

[Laya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this book on my way (2hrs journey) to watch a 3hr film, Veer Zaara - a film released almost 20 years ago by a man who already had some 50 years career under his belt by then, and the theatre goes wild even today.

My first compliments to Rachel Dwyer mam for treating Yash Chopra as an auteur to be studied. The chapterization is neat, dividing the eras perfectly and exploring them deeper but I wish I could read more about what connects them all too. Wish there was deeper meditation into the theme of the irrational and the passion, how he was very original with them in a way that has endured decades, or maybe I am just projecting my fan views.

[Rashmi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Such a drab book on a man who has directed and produced so many blockbuster movies. There is so much repetition and there is nothing in the book that holds your interest. It just drags on.

[Fatima Afridi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it very dry and difficult to follow. The only exception was in he 2nd half of the book when Rachel discusses Chandni and Lamhe ( the movies I am familiar with) and the reasons which made them a hit in the south asian diaspora. That's the only part of the book I could really identify with and thus enjoyed that part. Would not recommend this one.

[Savita Ramsumair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

It was my privilege to read a book on the life of the best film maker. He was the god of Indian cinema. I love him and will forever cherish his movies. Jab thak Hain Jaan....

[Kshiti Nijhawan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author has managed to write an utterly dry and dull book on an intriguing man and compelling filmmaker.