David Abraham Cheulkar

David Abraham Cheulkar Biography

David Abraham Cheulkar, popularly known as David was a popular character artist of Bollywood yesterdays. He has been a part of many landmark and commercial movies of Bollywood during 1960’s and 1970’s. For Uncle and Father Roles, he had been the popular choice of film makers too. He started his career in the year 1941 with the movie Naya sansar and went on becoming one of the top character artists of 1960’s. For the movie, Boot polish (1954) directed by Prakash Arora, he received Filmfare supporting actor award. Other noted films of David are Chupke chupke (1972), Gol Maal (1979), Baton Baton Mein (1979), Khubsoorat (1980), Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977), Anuraag (1972), Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Abhimaan (1973), Khatta meetta (1978) and Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978). He was equally verse in doing roles with a comic touch. Chupke chupke and Golmaal are best instances. Mamta, Satyakam, Himalay Ki Godh Mein, Sapnom ka saudagar, Upkaar and Anupama also need special mention.

He was a member of Mumbai’s Marathi speaking Bene Israel community. He was active in theatre before entering movies. His association with IPTA is well known. He worked in a few of Khwaja Ahmad Abbas's films in his early phase of career. Pardesi (1957), Shehar Aur Sapna (1963), Munaa and Char Dil Char Raahein can be included in the list. ‘Nanne munne bache tere mutti’ – one of the popular tracks of Bollywood yesterdays was pictured on this actor.

In his prime time, late 50’s to middle 70’s, this reputed personality was not only active in Hindi film industry, he was also known as a star anchor, compere and the host of the leading award shows and other celebrity functions. “An event will surely be incomplete without David's speech” – these words were expressed by none other than India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He has once become India's Olympic Games representative and has also received Padma Shri, for his contributions to Indian cinema.

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Updated: January 16, 2014