Yash Chopra Cinema at La Trobe University
In 2013, La Trobe University marked a historic milestone by renaming its esteemed Agora Cinema to the Yash Chopra Cinema, paying tribute to the late and legendary Indian film director, Mr. Yash Chopra.
In doing so, La Trobe became the first Australian university to honour an Indian filmmaker in this way, celebrating Chopra’s extraordinary contributions to global cinema and his enduring legacy in storytelling.
The renaming ceremony was hosted by La Trobe University’s former Vice Chancellor, Professor John Dewar, and was attended by Mr. Chopra’s wife, Mrs. Pamela Chopra, along with esteemed Indian film director Kabir Khan. Fittingly, the cinema unveiling was made possible through La Trobe’s partnership with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, a collaboration that underscores the University’s enduring cultural connection with India and its vibrant Indian community in Australia.
A visibly moved Mrs. Pamela Chopra launched the newly named cinema and shared heartfelt words with the audience:
“This is the finest way to pay tribute to a filmmaker… actually name a cinema hall for him. I am so touched… and very, very moved… and I am so happy. And I know that wherever he is, he will be ecstatic that this is happening.”
During the ceremony, former Vice Chancellor Professor John Dewar reflected on the significance of the tribute:
“Just as Yash Chopra did in his lifetime through his cinematic career, La Trobe has a mission to reach out to the world beyond our own campuses to help build friendships and offer opportunities. We also offer a vibrant Cinema Studies course – who knows, we may well have another budding ‘Bollywood’ director or producer among our midst.”
Celebrating Yash Chopra’s Films
Following the renaming ceremony, the Yash Chopra Cinema hosted a special screening of Mr. Chopra’s final film, Jab Tak Hai Jaan (As Long As I Live, 2013), marking the beginning of a year-long cinematic tribute. Throughout 2013, La Trobe screened twelve Hindi films at the venue, including six retrospectives in May that celebrated Mr. Chopra’s illustrious career. These featured beloved classics such as Veer-Zaara (2004), Kabhi Kabhie (Sometimes, 1976), Silsila (1981), and Lamhe (Moments, 1991), offering audiences a deeply sentimental journey through his cinematic legacy.
Relive the opening of the new cinema by Pamela Chopra here: