On September 23, Bollywood celebrates the 88th birthday of one of its most iconic villains, the veteran actor Prem Chopra. With a career spanning several decades, Prem Chopra has etched his name in the annals of Indian cinema as a master of portraying vile and cunning characters. His iconic dialogue, "Mera naam hai Prem... Prem Chopra," still sends shivers down the spines of moviegoers. Today, we take a journey through some of his top performances that have made him a celebrated villain on the silver screen.

Bobby (1973)
In the romantic drama "Bobby," Prem Chopra played the role of Prem Nath, a wealthy and ruthless businessman who opposes the love affair between the film's young protagonists, Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia. His portrayal of the manipulative and oppressive father added depth to the film's conflict, making his character unforgettable.

Do Anjaane (1976)
In "Do Anjaane," Chopra portrayed the character of Ravi Kapoor, a conniving and treacherous man who deceives his wife, played by Rekha. His performance in this film showcased his ability to play a character with shades of gray, leaving the audience torn between sympathy and disdain for his character.

Kati Patang (1970)
In this classic drama directed by Shakti Samanta, Prem Chopra took on the role of Dr. Anand, a deceitful and calculating man who manipulates the film's leading lady, Asha Parekh. His performance added a layer of intrigue to the film's storyline and solidified his position as one of the industry's top villains.

Souten (1983)
"Souten" saw Prem Chopra playing the role of Prabhu Dayal, a cunning and opportunistic man who comes between the lead characters, played by Rajesh Khanna and Tina Munim. His character's sinister motives and actions were brought to life by Chopra's impeccable acting skills.

Karz (1980)
In the musical thriller "Karz," Prem Chopra portrayed the character of Sir Juda, a malevolent figure who conspires against the film's protagonist, played by Rishi Kapoor. Chopra's portrayal of this vengeful character contributed significantly to the film's suspense and intrigue.

Kati Patang (1970)
Chopra played the role of Madan Chopra, a wealthy and manipulative man in "Kati Patang." His character's devious actions added a layer of complexity to the film's plot and showcased his ability to play morally ambiguous roles with finesse.

Chhupa Rustam (1973)
In this suspenseful drama, Prem Chopra portrayed Raghuvir, a calculating and deceptive man who conspires against the film's protagonist, played by Dev Anand. His performance in "Chhupa Rustam" highlighted his versatility as an actor, as he effortlessly slipped into the skin of a character with negative shades.

Prem Chopra's contribution to Indian cinema as a master villain cannot be overstated. His ability to infuse depth and complexity into negative characters made him a standout performer in a career that spanned several decades. As he celebrates his 88th birthday, we fondly remember his iconic roles that have left an indelible mark on Bollywood and continue to be cherished by generations of moviegoers. Here's wishing Prem Chopra a very happy birthday, and may his legacy in Indian cinema continue to shine bright.