For five decades, veteran actor Brij Gopal has been a consistent presence in Hindi cinema, making indelible marks in over 300 films with his compelling character portrayals. Known for memorable roles in features like Beta, Ishq, Suhaag, Gangajal, and Ghatak, Gopal’s journey from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, to the bustling film industry is a testament to unwavering passion and personal sacrifice. His story, recently shared in an interview, offers a candid look at the emotional cost of pursuing a dream.
Gopal’s fascination with cinema began early, a childhood love that superseded all else. He recounts a mischievous routine of slipping away from NCC parades in uniform to catch movies with a friend, sharing a single ticket to watch the first and second halves of films separately. This early obsession set the stage for a life path his traditional business family initially struggled to comprehend.
When Gopal, then a tenth grader, confided in his father about his aspirations to become an actor, the response was a resounding laugh. His father, a formidable figure in the transport business, urged him to complete his studies before pursuing such an unconventional career. This initial dismissal, however, did not extinguish Gopal’s resolve.
The opportunity to move to Mumbai arose in 1973, seemingly by chance, when his elder brother-in-law was posted in Madh Island. Gopal, already married with a child, used the visit as his entry point into the city of dreams. His stay took an unexpected turn when his brother-in-law was transferred to Leh just weeks after his arrival, leaving Gopal to navigate a new life in a guesthouse with five others, paying 75 rupees in rent. The early days were fraught with challenges, including taunts from people back home about his unfulfilled dreams, which occasionally led to confrontations. His elder brother provided crucial support during this difficult period.
A pivotal moment arrived with the film Paapi, where Gopal was offered a gangster role alongside Sunil Dutt and Sanjeev Kumar. When director O.P. Ralhan questioned his choice to play a villain over a hero, Gopal responded with clear self-awareness. He stated he had no delusions about his appearance and firmly believed that villainous roles offered far greater diversity and scope for performance compared to those of leading men.
Among the most poignant memories Gopal shared was the day he left for Mumbai, when his driver remarked on his strong, 6-foot-2-inch father’s tear-filled, red eyes. Witnessing his usually dominant father’s emotional display, Gopal felt a wave of self-hatred, realizing the sorrow his pursuit of acting was causing. This profound moment of guilt stayed with him, acknowledging the unseen struggles his parents endured.
Despite the initial skepticism, his mother remained his staunch supporter, expressing immense pride in even his smallest roles. She would joyfully announce his appearances, famously telling local vegetable vendors about his character "Bhairon Singh" in the film Beta. She even secretly gave him 2,000 rupees to help him sustain himself. Later, after joining M.G. Hashmat as an assistant and finding more substantial roles, Gopal recalled a moment when his father, watching him smoke a cigarette on screen, remarked, "Your brother is an actor, what nonsense. Is that how you smoke a cigarette? Learn from us." This seemingly critical comment was, to Gopal, a subtle sign of his father’s burgeoning pride and happiness. He expressed contentment that his father witnessed some of his work, sparing him a lifetime of guilt.
Gopal was filming Dev Anand’s Pyaar Ke Tarana in Denmark when he received the devastating news of his father’s passing. Dev Anand broke the news, and a call home confirmed the funeral had already taken place. With no possibility of attending the last rites, Gopal made a difficult decision: he asked Dev Anand to finish his scenes promptly. He described completing intense emotional scenes, perfectly delivering his lines, only to sit by the roadside and weep between takes. He returned for his father’s 13th-day ritual, and tragically, his mother passed away exactly a year later on the same day.
Today, at an advanced age, Gopal maintains remarkable fitness, attributing it to his belief that an artist’s body is their temple and primary instrument. He advocates for prioritizing one’s health to be a pillar of support for family. His routine includes morning Pranayam, a breakfast of fruits and sprouts, a modest lunch of one roti with dal and rice, and a light, boiled dinner.