Om Prakash, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved character actors, brought warmth, humor, and depth to every role he played. From comedy to drama, his iconic performances continue to captivate audiences, leaving an unforgettable legacy in film history.
By S A Ahmad
Om Prakash Chibber, widely known simply as Om Prakash, is remembered as one of the most beloved and versatile actors in the history of Indian cinema. His career spanned over five decades, during which he portrayed a remarkable range of characters, each defined by his infectious smile, impeccable comic timing, and expressive dialogue delivery. Renowned as a character actor, Om Prakash’s contributions to cinema were not confined to acting alone; he also worked as a singer, lyricist, director, producer, and writer, cementing his place as one of the industry’s most multifaceted talents.
From his memorable comedic antics alongside Mehmood in Pyar Kiye Jaa—which featured one of the funniest storytelling scenes in film history—to his touching portrayal of “Jija Ji” in Chupke Chupke, Om Prakash effortlessly won over audiences with his charm and skill. His roles as the mischievous “Daddu” in Namak Halal, the loving “Bade Bhaiyya” in Gopi, the kind-hearted “Girdharilal” in Buddha Mil Gaya, the ever-polite “Munshi ji” in Sharabi, and the wise “Ustad” in Chameli Ki Shaadi all left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Om Prakash’s mere presence on screen was enough to bring a smile to the faces of millions.
Born on December 19, 1919, in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, Om Prakash hailed from a Punjabi family. From a young age, he developed an interest in theatre, music, and films. His passion for classical music led him to study it from the age of twelve. In 1937, Om Prakash’s career in entertainment began when he joined All India Radio as a radio personality named “Fateh Din.” His radio programs quickly became popular across Punjab, establishing him as a beloved storyteller and humorist.
Om Prakash’s entry into films was a fortunate accident. While performing at a wedding, he caught the attention of filmmaker Dalsukh Pancholi, who offered him a role in the 1944 film Daasi. Though he was paid only Rs 80 for his first role, the film’s success marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career. This was followed by appearances in Pancholi’s other films, such as Dhamki, Patjhad, Meena Bazaar, and Lutera.
The early years of Om Prakash’s career saw him in numerous films, including Shahar Se Door (1946), Zamin Asman (1946), Pagdandi (1947), Chakori (1949), Raat Ki Rani (1949), and Awara (1951). The 1950s was a transformative period, as Om Prakash became one of the most sought-after character actors in Hindi cinema. His career flourished with notable roles in films like Dhake Ki Malmal (1956), Howrah Bridge (1958), Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960), and Rajkumar (1964).
In 1963, Om Prakash earned widespread recognition for his portrayal of Lala Jagannath, the father of Dev Anand’s character in Tere Ghar Ke Samne. His rivalry with Seth Karam Chand, played by Harindranath Chattopadhyay, added a layer of complexity and warmth to the film. One of his most memorable roles came in Khandaan (1965), where he played the patriarch Jeevandas, a character who suffers the heartbreak of witnessing his ancestral home being divided due to petty family feuds. The poignant moment when Om Prakash’s character watches helplessly as his family is torn apart, set to the classic Mohd Rafi song “Kal Chaman Tha, Aaj Ek Sehra Hua,” remains one of the most unforgettable scenes in his filmography.
Om Prakash worked with some of the greatest stars of the era, including Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Ashok Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, and Dharmendra. He also shared the screen with comedians such as Agha, Gope, Mukri, Johnny Walker, and Mehmood, often playing roles that brought out his unique comic sensibilities.
Apart from acting, Om Prakash ventured into filmmaking. His directorial debut came in 1955 with Duniya Gol Hai, a film starring Anita Guha and Karan Dewan. He followed it up with Gateway of India (1957), a successful film starring Bharat Bhushan and Madhubala. He continued to direct through the late 1950s and early 1960s, helming films like Chacha Zindabad (1959) and Kanhaiya (1960). In 1961, Om Prakash produced the successful film Sanjog, which featured Pradeep Kumar and Anita Guha.
In 1966, Om Prakash’s performance in the comedy-drama Dus Lakh as Gokulchand earned him widespread critical acclaim. The same year, he starred in Pyar Kiye Jaa, a film where he played Ramlal, the father of Mehmood’s character, and delivered one of the most iconic comedy sequences in Indian cinema. In Sadhu Aur Shaitan (1968), Om Prakash once again demonstrated his versatility by taking on the title role.
The late 1960s and early 1970s were marked by several iconic roles, including his performance in Padosan (1968), Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati (1969), and Gopi (1970). His portrayal of Girdharilal in Buddha Mil Gaya (1971) was particularly remarkable, as it showcased his ability to balance comedy with emotional depth. The songs “Aayo Kahan Se Ghanshyam” and “Mai Buddho Lambo Lambo,” picturized on him, remain among the film’s most memorable moments.
The 1970s saw Om Prakash continuing to impress in a wide variety of roles, such as Udharchand Shikarpuri in Dil Daulat Duniya (1972), De Silva in Zanjeer (1973), and Guru in Sagina (1974). His roles in films like Chupke Chupke (1975) as Raghav Bhaiya and Namak Halaal (1982) as Daddu Dasrath Singh became cult favorites. His portrayal of Munshi Phoolchand in Sharaabi (1984) and his work in films like Gol Maal (1979) and Lawaaris (1981) kept him relevant throughout his career.
In addition to acting, Om Prakash also lent his voice to several songs. He sang tracks like “Chhod Diya Ghar Baar Rani Tere Liye” in Meena Bazar (1950), “Naari Se Nagan Bhali” in Ladki (1953), and “Hari Om Katha Aarambh Hot Hai” in Bindiya (1960), among others.
Om Prakash’s personal life saw him married to Prabha Chibber. His brother also worked in a few films under the name “Pachchi.” Om Prakash passed away on February 21, 1998, at the age of 78, after suffering a massive heart attack. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through his unforgettable performances, which continue to entertain and inspire new generations of film lovers.
Om Prakash was not just an actor; he was a storyteller, a performer, and a true artist whose contributions to Indian cinema will never be forgotten.
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