Prem Nath

Prem Nath Biography

Prem Nath is a popular actor of Bollywood yesterdays known for character roles and villain roles. He has acted as leading hero during early days, particularly in the black and white era of late 40’s and early 50’s. As he was not successful as hero, he slowly accepted negative roles and character roles and proved his versatility. Among his movies, his performance was most noted in Jhuk gaya aasman, Johny mera naam, Roti kapada aur makaan, Dharmatma, Aan, Teesri manzil, Bobby, Amir gareeb, Shor, Tere mere sapne, Desh premi and Kalicharan.  

He was married to heroine of yesterdays – Bina Rai, whom he fell in love in the sets of Aurat. His sons are actor/producer Prem Krishen and Kailash Nath (Monty). His sister Krishna is married to actor Raj kapoor. His another sister is married to Prem Chopra. His brothers were comedians and supporting actors of yesterdays - Rajendra Nath and Narendra Nath. Rajendra Nath and Prem Nath have worked together in the movie Jhuk gaya aasman.

Premnath was born in Karimpura locality near Ghanta Ghar in Peshawar. Family moved to Jabalpur after partition and he went to Mumbai in search of a filmy role. Premnath made his film debut in Ajit in the year 1948, opposite Monica Desai. This movie was one among the earliest colour movies of Indian cinema. He worked with his wife for a couple of movies like Aurat and Shafuga.

His brother-in-law Raj Kapoor gave him big breaks in Aag and Barsaat. As he was a failure as hero, he turned to negative and supporting actor roles, for which he is remembered now also. His roles during 60’s and 70’s in movies like Teesri Manzil, Jhuk gaya aasman, Bobby, Roti kapada aur makaam and Tere mere sapne were quite memorable. He has won Filmfare nominations in supporting roles for the movies - Shor (1972), Bobby (1973), Amir Garib (1974), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974). Other memorable movies include Jaani dushman, Nagin, Chandi sona, Shalimar, Kabeela, Janeman, Heeralal Pannalal, Guest house, Kishen Kanhayya, Hum dono (1985) and Shirdi Ke Sai Baba. Kishen Kanhayya released in 1990 was his last movie. He died in 1992 of a heart attack at the age of 66.

Published: N/A

Updated: May 17, 2014