Veer-Zaara is a 2004 Indian Hindi-language epic romantic drama film directed and produced by Yash Chopra, from a screenplay written by his son Aditya Chopra. It stars Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta as the eponymous star-crossed lovers: Veer Pratap Singh (Khan) is an Indian Air Force officer, and Zaara Hayaat Khan (Zinta) is the daughter of a Pakistani politician. Veer is imprisoned on false charges, and 22 years later, a young Pakistani lawyer, named Saamiya Siddiqui, fights his case. Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Divya Dutta, Manoj Bajpayee, Boman Irani, Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher play supporting roles.
Theatrical-release poster
Chopra (pictured) made his return to direction after 7 years with Veer-Zaara.
Image: Shah Rukh Khan 2001
Image: Preity Zinta 2001
Yash Raj Chopra was an Indian film director and film producer who worked in Hindi cinema. The founding chairman of the film production and distribution company Yash Raj Films, Chopra was the recipient of several awards, including 6 National Film Awards and 8 Filmfare Awards. He is considered among the best Hindi filmmakers, particularly known and admired for his romantic films with strong female leads. For his contributions to film, the Government of India honoured him with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001, and the Padma Bhushan in 2005. In 2006, British Academy of Film and Television Arts presented him with a lifetime membership, making him the first Indian to receive the honour.
Chopra in 2012
Chopra with his brother B. R. Chopra at an event in 2007
Chopra with actor Amitabh Bachchan at the premiere of Paa in 2009
Chopra with actor Shahrukh Khan at a promotional event for their film Jab Tak Hai Jaan in 2012