Om Prakash | |
|---|---|
 Prakash in 1975 | |
| Born | Om Prakash Chibber 19 December 1919 (1919-12-19) Jammu, India,British Raj |
| Died | 21 February 1998(1998-02-21) (aged 78) Mumbai,Maharashtra, India |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1942–1994 |
| Spouse | Prabha Chibber |
Om Prakash Chibber (19 December 1919 – 21 February 1998) was an Indian film actor.[1] He was born inJammu, India and was a well knowncharacter actor ofHindi Cinema. His most well-known movies areMere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968),Padosan (1968),Gopi (1970),Hulchul (1971),Chupke Chupke (1975),Namak Halaal (1982), andSharaabi (1984).
He also producedJahanaara, starringBharat Bhushan,Shashikala,Prithviraj Kapoor, andMala Sinha.
Prakash played major characters in films includingDus Lakh,Annadata,Charandas, andSadhu aur Shaitan. His pivotal roles in the filmsDil Daulat Duniya,Gopi,Apna Desh,Chupke Chupke,Julie,Joroo Ka Ghulam,Aa Gale Lag Jaa,Pyar Kiye Jaa,Padosan, andBuddha Mil Gaya are considered to be among his best, along with Daddu inNamak Halaal and De Silva inZanjeer. His roles inSharaabi,Bharosa,Tere Ghar Ke Samne,Mere Hamdam Mere Dost,Loafer andDil Tera Diwana were also appreciated.
Prakash has played in manycomedy films. One of his best performances were inNaukar Biwi Ka (1983),Sharaabi (1984) andChameli Ki Shaadi, where he played a pivotal role. His role in Gopi withDilip Kumar is considered best in terms of acting. Critics still think he gave better performance in tragic scenes in front ofDilip Kumar. Once Kumar revealed, "I was only afraid once in my acting career and it was during Gopi when Om Prakashji's performance overshadowed mine".[2]
Prakash was fascinated by theatre, music and films. He started taking lessons in classical music when he was twelve years old. He used to play the role of Sita in Ramlila of Jammu[3]
Prakash joinedAll India Radio in 1937 at a monthly salary of Rs 25. He was known as "Fateh Din", a radio personality, and his programmes made him popular across Punjab.[4]
He was regaling people at a wedding one day when filmmakerDalsukh Pancholi asked to see him in his Lahore office. Pancholi gave Prakash his first break as an actor in the filmDaasi. He was paid only Rs 80, but the film earned him fame. It was his first major role; he had played a bit role inSharif Badmash, a silent film. He later played inDaasi and with Pancholi'sDhamki andAayee Bahar.
Soon afterthe Partition, he came toDelhi and then toBombay (nowMumbai).Baldev Raj Chopra noticed his talent when he was a film journalist and critic; he urged Prakash to carry on with his acting career. He was sure Om Prakash had the talent to prove himself a versatile actor, later winning acclaim and later had roles in films includingLahore,Char Din, andRaat Ki Rani. It was during this phase in his career that he played inAzaad[5] withDilip Kumar,Mera Naam Joker withRaj Kapoor;Miss Mary,Bahar,Pehli Jhalak,Asha, andMan-Mauji withKishore Kumar; followed byHowrah Bridge withAshok Kumar; and thenTere Ghar Ke Samne withDev Anand. He was noted for his performance in both films[which?] in spite of celebrities likeKishore Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Ashok Kumar and Dev Anand. He had developed his own style, which prompted him to work in the entertainment industry for the next forty years.[6]
Om Prakash acted in 307 films. He won his first major award acting inDus Lakh (1966). He has also played inHowrah Bridge (1958),Pyar Kiye Jaa (1966),Padosan (1968),Sadhu Aur Shaitaan (1968),Dil Daulat Duniya (1972),Chupke Chupke (1975),Gol Maal (1979),Namak Halaal (1982), andChameli Ki Shaadi (1986). He proved that he could play mature roles with equal ease and depth, as shown inChacha Zindabad,Khandan,Haryali Aur Raasta,Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai, Pati Patni,Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare,Mere Hamdam Mere Dost,Annadata,Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati,Doli,Chirag,Amar Prem,Aankh Micholi,Ek Hasina Do Diwane,Anuraag,Zanjeer,Sagina,Aa Gale Lag Jaa,Loafer,Roti,Julie,Khushboo,Lawaaris,Bandish,Sharaabi andChameli Ki Shaadi.
Outside of acting, Prakash produced films includingSanjog (1961),Jahan Ara (1964) andGateway of India (1957).
Om Prakash suffered a massive heart attack at his home and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital inMumbai. In there, Prakash suffered another heart attack and went into a coma from which he never recovered. He died on 21 February 1998.[7][8]
Source:[9]
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