Renowned film producer and director J. Om Prakash is known for his films with emotional depth, memorable music, and strong storytelling. Some of his most iconic films include Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, and Andhi as a producer, as well as Aap Ki Kasam, Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka, Apnapan, Aasha, Apna Bana Lo, Arpan, Aakhir Kyon?, and Aadmi Khilona Hai as a director.
Early Life
J. Om Prakash, born on January 24, 1926, in Sialkot. His father was a schoolteacher in Lahore. Om Prakash developed love for music and literature from his school and college days. He often played the harmonium in stage plays and attended mushairas (poetry recitals) with friends like Qateel Shifai and Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
After the Partition of India in 1947, Om Prakash moved to Mumbai, where he started his career as a clerk in a film distributor’s office. His dedication and passion for cinema soon saw him rise to the position of manager. He eventually ventured into film production and direction, establishing his production company, Filmyug.
J. Om Prakash The Fimmaker
His first film as a producer was Aas Ka Panchhi (1961), starring Rajendra Kumar and Vyjayanthimala, which became a Silver Jubilee hit. He then went on to produce some of the most memorable musicals of Hindi cinema. J. Om Prakash produced the romantic drama Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), directed by Mohan Kumar. The film stars Rajendra Kumar, Saira Banu, Shashikala, and Dharmendra in a rare negative appearance.
He collaborated with Dharmendra and Asha Parekh for the musicals hits Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966), and Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969). Bothe the film were directed by directed by Raghunath Jhalani and written by Sachin Bhowmick.
J. Om Prakash again teamed up with Raghunath Jhalani for Aankhon Aankhon Mein (1972). The romantic drama stars Rakesh Roshan, Rakhee, and Pran. J. Om Prakash made his directorial debut with the film “Aap Ki Kasam” in 1974, starring Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz. The film was a box office success and is remembered for its memorable songs like “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar” and “Zindagi Ke Safar Mein.”. This success marked the beginning of a prolific career in filmmaking.
One of his most memorable films he produced was Aandhi (1975), directed by Gulzar. The film is gripping but sensitive political drama starring Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen. The film, controversial for its political undertones, is considered one of the most powerful film on human relationships.
J. Om Prakash’s Relationship Triology
In 1977 he directed “Apnapan,” a family drama that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and relationships. Starring Jeetendra and Reena Roy, the film’s emotional depth and strong performances made it a significant hit.
He again collaborated with Jeetendra and Reena Roy for “Aasha (1980),” a musical drama revolving around love, sacrifice, and destiny. The music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, especially the song “Shisha Ho Ya Dil Ho,” became immensely popular. The film’s success further solidified J. Om Prakash’s reputation as a master storyteller. J. Om Prakash managed to include his grandson Hrithik Roshan’s first screen appearance in the film “Aasha” (1980) by shooting him in a music interlude without the boy’s knowledge.
In 1983 came “Arpan,” starring again Jeetendra and Reena Roy with Parveen Babi. In the film, Reena Roy delivered a poignant performance as a girl who sacrificed her love, happiness, and life for her family and loved ones. Parveen Babi also gets widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Sona, a singer who becomes entangled in a complex web of relationships. The film has the famous songs like “Mohabbat Ab Tijarat,” “Pardes Jake Pardesiya,” “Tauba Kaise Hai Nadan Ghunghroo,” and “Likhne Wale Ne Likh Dale.”
Other Work
“Aakhir Kyon?” is a drama that explores the complexities of relationships and societal norms. Starring Rajesh Khanna, Smita Patil, and Tina Munim, the film’s strong storyline and powerful performances made it a critical and commercial success. The film’s music, composed by Rajesh Roshan, includes popular songs like “Dushman Na Kare Dost Ne Woh Kaam Kiya Hai.”.
J. Om Prakash’s filmography is extensive and includes numerous iconic films. Some of his other notable works include Aakraman (1975), Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka (1977), Aas Paas (1981), Apna Bana Lo (1982), Aasra Pyaar Da (1983), Aap Ke Saath (1986), Bhagwan Dada (1986), Agnee (1986), Aadmi Aur Apsara (1991), Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh (1992), Aadmi Khilona Hai (1993), and Afsana Dilwalon Ka (2001).
Personal Life
J. Om Prakash was deeply spiritual and often incorporated devotional songs and themes in his films. He was known for his strong connection to a higher power and preferred discussing spirituality over films. Most of his films’ titles started with the letter “A” or “Aa.” This tradition began with his first movie, “Aas Ka Panchhi,” and continued throughout his career.
He served as the president of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) and the Film Producers’ Guild for six years. He was also elected president of the Film Federation of India for the year 1995-1996.
J. Om Prakash married to Padma Om Prakash. His daughter, Pinkie, is married to director-producer Rakesh Roshan, making him the maternal grandfather of actor Hrithik Roshan. He died in Mumbai on 7 August 2019, at the age of 93.
J. Om Prakash on IMDB
