Bollywood stars Anushka Sharma, left, Shah Rukh Khan, center, and Katrina Kaif pose during the premiere of their film "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" or "As long as I Am Alive" in Mumbai, India. — AP Photo

NEW DELHI: Bollywood stars turned out in strength for a final homage to movie director Yash Chopra at the premiere of his last film.

Led by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, top stars attended the premiere Monday night of "Jab Tak hai Jaan," or "As Long as I am Alive."

Chopra was known as the "King of Romance" for creating classic love stories that were immensely popular. He died last month, days after finishing the film.

Bachchan, who acted in several of Chopra's blockbusters, said the entire Hindi movie industry was honoring the film, which was opening in Indian theaters Tuesday.

"I think Yash Chopra would have liked it. Despite his death, the whole industry is celebrating his movie, and I am very anxious to see it," he said.

Chopra's wife Pamela said the premiere was their way of celebrating Chopra's illustrious life rather than mourning his absence.

The film stars Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in a love triangle with two leading ladies, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. The story of the film has not been made public, though promotional clips show Khan as both a musician and an army officer.

Monday's red-carpet event in India's entertainment capital, Mumbai, was attended by Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and several Bollywood actresses from Chopra's earlier movies, including Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi and Preity Zinta.

The opening date coincided with the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, and the timing was not without controversy.

Film producers consider a Diwali premiere to be lucky, but it meant the movie ran into the release of another potential blockbuster, Ajay Devgn's "Son of Sardar."

Around 10 days ago, Devgn sent a legal notice to Chopra's company, Yashraj Films, accusing it of pressuring exhibitors to promote "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" over "Son of Sardar" during the Diwali festival holidays.

Opinion

Four hundred seats?

Four hundred seats?

The mix of divisive cultural politics and grow­th-oriented economics that feeds Hindu middle-class ambition and provides targeted welfare are key ingredients in the BJP’s political trajectory.

Editorial

Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...
Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.