Om Prakash

Om Prakash Chibber (19 December 1919 – 21 February 1998) was an Indian film actor. He was born in Lahore, Pakistan and was a well known character actor of Hindi Cinema. His most well-known movies are Mere Hamdam Mere Dost, Padosan (1968), Gopi (1970), Hulchul (1971), Chupke Chupke (1975), Namak Halaal (1982), and Sharaabi (1984).

He also produced Jahanaara, starring Bharat Bhushan, Shashikala, Prithviraj Kapoor, and Mala Sinha.

Prakash played major characters in films including Dus Lakh, Annadata, Charandas, and Sadhu aur Shaitan. His roles in the films Dil Daulat Duniya, Gopi, Apna Desh, Chupke Chupke, Julie, Joroo Ka Ghulam, Aa Gale Lag Jaa, Pyar Kiye Jaa, Padosan, and Buddha Mil Gaya are considered to be among his best, along with Daddu in Namak Halaal and De Silva in Zanjeer. His roles in Sharaabi, Bharosa, Tere Ghar Ke Samne, Mere Hamdam Mere Dost, Loafer and Dil Tera Diwana were also appreciated.

Prakash played in many comedy films. His performances were well received in Naukar Biwi Ka (1983), Sharaabi (1984) and Chameli Ki Shaadi. His role in Gopi with Dilip Kumar is highly regarded. Some critics believe he gave better performances in tragic scenes in front of Dilip 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".

Early life and education

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

Career

Prakash joined All 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.

He was regaling people at a wedding one day when filmmaker Dalsukh Pancholi asked to see him in his Lahore office. Pancholi gave Prakash his first break as an actor in the film Daasi. He was paid only Rs 80, but the film earned him fame. It was his first major role; he had played a bit role in Sharif Badmash, a silent film. He later played in Daasi and with Pancholi's Dhamki and Aayee Bahar.

Soon after the Partition, he came to Delhi and then to Bombay (now Mumbai). 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 including Lahore, Char Din, and Raat Ki Rani. It was during this phase in his career that he played in Azaad with Dilip Kumar, Mera Naam Joker with Raj Kapoor; Miss Mary, Bahar, Pehli Jhalak, Asha, and Man-Mauji with Kishore Kumar; followed by Howrah Bridge with Ashok Kumar; and then Tere Ghar Ke Samne with Dev Anand. He was noted for his performance in both films in spite of celebrities like Kishore 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.

Om Prakash acted in 307 films. He won his first major award acting in Dus 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), and Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986). He proved that he could play mature roles with equal ease and depth, as shown in Chacha 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 and Chameli Ki Shaadi.

Outside of acting, Prakash produced films including Sanjog (1961), Jahan Ara (1964) and Gateway of India (1957).

Death

Om Prakash suffered a massive heart attack at his home and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. In there, Prakash suffered another heart attack and went into a coma from which he never recovered. He died on 21 February 1998.

Selected filmography

Daasi (1944) as Najam / Ragini / A.S.Gyani / Om Prakash Chibber / Kalavati / Khairati Zameen Aasmaan (1946) Chaman (1948, Punjabi film) Jalsa (1948) Ek Teri Nishani (1949) Naach (1949) Lachhi (1949) Punjabi movie Sawan Bhadon (1949) Raat Ki Rani (1949) Lahore (1949) Ek Teri Nishani (1949) Ghar Ki Numaish (1949) Char Din (1949) Bansaria (1949) Bhaiyya Ji (1950), he also directed; Punjabi movie Phumman (1950) Madari (1950) Sargam (1950) as Seth Roopchand Sabak (1950) Rupaiya (1950) Sabz Baag (1951) Nazneen (1951) Khazana (1951) Bahar (1951) as Choudhry Goverdhanlal Patwardhanlal Anhonee (1952) as Shyam Sundar Laddan Poonam (1952) as Sajju Ram Trivedi Hamari Duniya (1952) Ghungroo (1952) Shikast (1953) as Dheeru Rail Ka Dibba (1953) as Nirogi Lehren (1953) Ladki (1953) as Hazurdas Firdaus (1953) Dhuaan (1953) Chalis Baba Ek Chor (1953) Aas (1953) as Masterji Ramman (1954) (unreleased) Ilzam (1954) Dost (1954) Pooja (1954) Kavi (1954) Danka (1954) Chor Bazar (1954) as Yusuf Ustad Bazooband (1954) as Sanwariya Barati (1954) Marine Drive (1955) Sitara (1955) Shri Nagad Narayan (1955) Pehli Jhalak (1955) as Jwalaprasad Raiseazam Musafirkhana (1955) as Gulyar Khan Kabuli Lutera (1955) Lagan (1955) Kundan (1955) as Uma's foster father Hoor-E-Arab (1955) Duniya Gol Hai (1955) Bhagwat Mahima (1955) Azaad (1955) as Head Constable Motilal Albeli (1955) Shrimati 420 (1956) Mem Sahib (1956) as Brothel Patron Patrani (1956) as Vichitram Fifty Fifty (1956) Dhake Ki Malmal (1956) Chhoo Mantar (1956) as Gulzar Khan (uncredited) Bhai-Bhai (1956) as Bulbul Basant Bahar (1956) as Narsin Muklawa (Punjabi film) (1957) Sheroo (1957) Sharada (1957) as Mohan (Guest Appearance) Miss Mary (1957) as Nakdau Gateway of India (1957) as Man with broken wrist watch Garma Garam (1957) Ek Jhalak (1957) Bhabhi (1957) as Lata's father-in-law Aasha (1957) as Hasmukhlal Miss 58 (1958) Chandu (1958) Taxi Stand (1958) Sohni Mahiwal (1958) Police (1958) Karigar (1958) as Girdhari Howrah Bridge (1958) as Shyamu, Tangewala Baghi Sipahi (1958) Amardeep (1958) as Man who gets conned Pyar Ki Rahen (1959) Kanhaiya (1959) as Vedji Didi (1959) as Lala Daulatram Chacha Zindabad (1959) as Contractor Mr. Verma ( He Directed this movie also ) Zalim Jadugar (1960) Patang (1960) as Bhole Nath Mehlon Ke Khwab (1960) as Hotel Manager Jaali Note (1960) as C.I.D. Constable Pandu / Nandlal (uncredited) Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960) as Girdhari College Girl (1960) as Hakeem Ramprasad Bindya (1960) as Shastriji Aanchal (1960) as Constable Dharamdas Sanjog (1961) as Diwan Girdharilal Do Bhai (1961) as Kashi Nath Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan (1961) as Prabha's dad Hong Kong (1962) Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962) as Joseph Isi Ka Naam Duniya Hai (1962) Shaadi (1962) as Seth Daulatram Naughty Boy (1962) as Vaidraj Churandas 'Jari-Bhuti' Chaturvedi Manmauji (1962) as Rai Saheb Bhola Ram Dil Tera Diwana (1962) as Captain Dayaram Half Ticket (1962) Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963) as Lala Jagannath, Rakesh's Father Bharosa (1963) as Laxmiprasad Daulatram Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1963) as Asharam Nartakee (1963) .... Seth. Jamna Das Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye (1963) Jab Se Tumhe Dekha Hai (1963) .... Qawwal Daal Me Kala (1964) .... Banke Bihari Suhagan (1964) .... Dukhiram Maain Bhi Ladki Hun (1964) .... Din Dayal 'Raja' Raj Kumar (1964) .... Bimasal Cha Cha Cha (1964) .... Dinanath Mera Qasoor Kya Hai (1964) .... Rasila Kaise Kahoon (1964) .... Mamaji Jahan Ara (1964) Door Ki Awaaz (1964) .... Dhanpath Rai Aap Ki Parchhaiyan (1964) .... Asha's dad Naya Kanoon (1965) .... Om Prakash Munshi Khandan (1965) .... Jeevandas Lal Duniya Hai Dilwalon Ki (1966) Pyar Kiye Jaa (1966) .... Ramlal Pati Patni (1966) .... Dhanprasad Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare (1966) .... Ajoo Hajam / Nawab Ajmutullah Khan Labela (1966) Kunwari (1966) Dus Lakh (1966) .... Gokulchand Do Dilon Ki Dastaan (1966) Laat Saheb (1967) .... Munshi Around the World (1967) Aman (1967) .... Hurato Do Kaliyaan (1968) .... Kiran's Father Padosan (1968) .... Kunverji - friendly appearance Sadhu Aur Shaitaan (1968) .... Sadhuram Parivar (1968) .... Karamchand Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968) .... Dhand Melaram Kanyadaan (1968) .... Bansi Gauri (1968) .... Maniram Ek Kali Muskai (1968) .... Lala Saheb Man Ka Meet (1969) .... Lala Balwant Rai Soldier as Thakur Daler Singh (1969) Pyaasi Sham (1969) .... Shankarlal's dad Sajan (1969) .... Driver - Balam Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati (1969) .... Mama Ji / Choudhry Sahab Doli (1969) .... Dwarka (Prem's dad) (as Om Parkash) Chirag (1969) .... Dr. O.P. Chibber Badi Didi (1969) .... Dayal Suhana Safar (1970) Mera Naam Joker (1970) .... Dr. Om Prakash (Gemini Circus) (Guest Appearance) Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (1970) .... Motilal Chaudhary Pushpanjali (1970) .... Major Bharti Purab Aur Paschim (1970) as Mohan's father-in-law (Guest Appearance) Gopi (1970) as Girdharilal Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani (1970) as Sadhuram Aansoo Aur Muskan (1970) as Anwar Parwana (1971) as Ashok Varma Paraya Dhan (1971) as Gangaram Buddha Mil Gaya (1971) .... Girdharilal Sharma Narad Leela (1972) Maalik Tere Bande Hum (1972) Kavi Sammelan (1972) Amar Prem (1972) .... Natwarlal Ek Hasina Do Diwane (1972) .... Major - Neeta's dad Joroo Ka Ghulam (1972) .... Shyamlal Sub Ka Saathi (1972) .... Maya Das Rani Mera Naam (1972) Mome Ki Gudiya (1972) .... Dindayal Dil Daulat Duniya (1972) .... Udharchand Shikarpuri Apna Desh (1972) .... Dharamdas Annadata (1972) .... Ambarprasad Aankh Micholi (1972) .... Seth Ramlal Jai Hanuman (1973) Loafer (1973) .... Gopinath Sone Ke Hath (1973) Zanjeer (1973) .... De Silva Aa Gale Lag Jaa (1973) .... Preeti's father Teen Chor (1973) Phagun (1973) .... Dr. M.K. Effendi Man Jeete Jag Jeet (1973) .... Punjabi Kahani Hum Sab Ki (1973) .... Bhagwan Das Shubdin (1974) Kshitij (1974) Naya Din Nai Raat (1974) .... Banarasilal Do Chattane (1974) .... Pagal Chacha Sagina (1974) .... Guru International Crook (1974) .... Havaldar Rao Roti (1974) .... Lalaji Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam (1974) Chowkidar (1974) .... Shambhu Archana (1974) .... Dr. Arun Vardaan (1975) .... Banwari Sharma Romeo in Sikkim (1975) Aandhi (1975) .... Lallu Lal (Campaign Manager) Julie (1975) .... Maurice (Julie's Father) Chupke Chupke (1975) .... Raghavendra Sharma (Raghav) Sunehra Sansar (1975) .... Shankarlal Raaja (1975) .... Rani's Father Dhoti Lota Aur Chowpatty (1975) Khushboo (1975) Sangat (1976) Papi Tarey Anek (1976) Nehle Pe Dehla (1976) .... Mangal Maa (1976) .... Gopaldas (Nimmi's dad) Alaap (1977) .... Triloki Prasad Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka (1977) .... Mr. Jamunadas Tinku (1977) .... Ramdin Saheb Bahadur (1977) .... Dy. Collector Hare Murari Mera Vachan Geeta Ki Kasam (1977) .... Yar Khan Duniyadari (1977) .... Barkha's Father Charandas (1977) .... Charandas Aakhri Goli (1977) Sone Ki Lanka (1978) Naya Daur (1978) .... Chopra Parmatma (1978) .... Hotel Clerk (voice, uncredited) Nawab Sahib (1978) .... Nawab Sahib Hamara Sansar (1978) .... Seth HarishChandra Daku Aur Jawan (1978) .... Bansi Gol Maal (1979) .... Senior Police Officer Sukhi Pariwar (1979) .... Kuldeep's office worker Bebus (1979) Do Premee (1980) .... Retd. Col. Bhagwant Singh Do Aur Do Paanch (1980) .... Ustad, Prisoner #203 (Guest Appearance) Abdullah (1980) .... Pandit Bandish (1980) .... Kishan's dad Aas Paas (1981) .... Seema's Father Naram Garam (1981) as Swamiji (Special appearance) Lawaaris (1981) as Dr. Goel Itni Si Baat (1981) as Mukundilal Biwi-O-Biwi (1981) as Chander's Father (uncredited) Dhanwan (1981) Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (1981) as Biharilal Sharada (1981) .... Taradevi's husband Maan Gaye Ustaad (1981) .... Abba Bharosa (1981) Eent Ka Jawab Patthar (1982) .... Nawab Saab Namak Halaal (1982) .... Dasrath Singh (Daddu) Badle Ki Aag (1982) .... Man needed money for daughter's marriage (uncredited) Dil-E-Nadaan (1982) as Asha's dad Prem Rog (1982) as Panditji Dharam Kanta (1982) .... Fakira Johnny I Love You (1982) .... Colonel Love in Goa (1983) .... Vinayak Rao Rang Birangi (1983) .... Retired Judge Ajit Bannerjee Naukar Biwi Ka (1983) .... Jagirdar Bishamber Nath Shubh Kaamna (1983) .... Vithalbhai Pyaasi Aankhen (1983) Ek Din Bahu Ka (1983) as Lalaji - Father in law (uncredited) Sharaabi (1984) as Munshi Phoolchand Raaj Tilak (1984) .... Sardar Zuberi Ram Ki Ganga (1984) .... Ramdas Yeh Ishq Nahin Aasaan (1984) .... Nawab Raja Aur Rana (1984) .... Imran Khan Pyaase Honth (1985) .... Shambhu Do Dilon Ki Dastaan (1985) .... Mr. Saxena Meetha Zehar (1985) Alag Alag (1985) .... Khan Awara Baap (1985) .... Seth Gopal Das / Gopu Kali Basti (1985) .... Peter Pereira Kaanch Ki Deewar (1986) .... Dhurjan's victim Chameli Ki Shaadi (1986) .... Mastram Pehalwan Bhagwan Dada (1986) .... Drunken husband Karamdaata (1986) .... Khan (doctor) Insaniyat Ke Dushman (1987) .... Saxena Imaandaar (1987) .... Mr. Nath Kalyug Aur Ramayan (1987) .... Dashrath Rahi (1987) .... Dindayal Hawalaat (1987) .... Raghu (old man, drug addict prisoner) Muqaddar Ka Faisla (1987) .... Dayaram Mohabbat Ke Dushman (1988) .... Pandit Halaal Ki Kamai (1988) Bees Saal Baad (1988) .... Sarju, Nisha's Father Wafaa (1990) .... Rai Bahadur Shanker Dayal Pati Patni Aur Tawaif (1990) .... Tarachand Ghar Ho To Aisa (1990) .... Karamchand Pratikar (1991) .... Shankar Prasad Lakshmanrekha (1991) .... Gafoor Bhai Ye Hai Ghar Ki Mahabharata (1992) .... Jamnadas Kabhi Dhoop Kabhi Chhaon (1992) Shuruaat (1993) .... Jang Bahadur Ghar Ki Izzat (1994) .... Mona's poor dad Bhai No 1 (2000) .... Mr. Bakshi (final film role)

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