Om Prakash

Om Prakash Biography

Om Prakash was a versatile actor of Bollywood known for character roles as well as comic roles. His full name is Om Prakash Chibber. Most memorable performances of Om Prakash include movies of 70’s like Chupke chupke and Buddha mil gaya. His role in Pyar kiya jaa is another memorable character. These three movies are noted most for comic performance of this actor. His roles as Lakshmi’s father in Julie (1975) and Amitabh Bachchan’s grandfather in Namak Halal also need special mention. He has done numerous roles aside Big B. He is known for his distinct style of dialogue detection. Other memorable roles of Om Prakash are Zanjeer, Sharabi, Bharosa, Tere Ghar Ke Samne, Mere Humdum Mere Dost, Loafer, Dil Tera Diwana, Naukar Biwi Ka, Chameli Ki Shaadi, Dil Daulat Duniya, Joroo Ka Ghulam and Aa Gale Lag Jaa.

Om Prakash joined All India Radio in 1937 on a monthly salary of Rs 25 where he was known as “Fateh Din”.  He started his career in 1942 and in most movies, he played supporting roles. He is regarded as one of the veterans of Bollywood. He was spotted by film-maker Dalsukh Pancholi in a marriage function who gave Om his first break as an actor in a film called Daasi. Though he earned only 80 rupees for that role, he won appreciation that prompted him to stay in Bollywood forever.  

His early appearances include movies like Howrah bridge, Asha, Raat ki rani, Manmauji, Lahore, Char Din, Miss Mary, Tere ghar ke samne and Sargham. Very soon Om Prakash soon became a household name.  Both his roles in comic and drunken persons were noted most. Though he has played supporting roles most, in a few movies he has played leading actor role as well. Movies like Dus Lakh, Annadata Charandas and 'Sadhu aur Shaitan need special mention. Om Prakash was married, yet during the last days of his life, he stayed with his brother. He passed away in Lilavathi hospital due to a severe heart attack at the age of 78. 

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Updated: November 19, 2013