Prakash Mehra will always remembered for his larger-than-life masala entertainers, who were largely responsible for the emergence of Amitabh Bachchan’s Angry Young Man image. Some of his notable films are “Samadhi (1972),” “Zanjeer (1973),” “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978),” “Lawaaris (1981),” “Namak Halaal (1982),” and “Sharaabi (1984).”
Early Life and Struggle
Prakash Mehra, born on July 13, 1939, in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, was a towering figure in the Indian film industry. Reportedly, his father left his family life and became a Sanyasi when Mehra was only eight years old. Raised with the help of relatives, he grew up in poverty on the streets. Mehra, who was very active in the local theater in the area from his younger days.
Mehra’s formal education stopped early. He attended a local school in Bijnor but dropped out due to financial hardship. His learning came from life experiences and observation, particularly during his early jobs. He later gained practical knowledge in film sets, compensating for his limited schooling. He moved to Bombay with just Rs. 13 in the pocket, determined to enter the film industry. After a long struggle, he became an assistant to the well-known filmmaker Dhirubhai Desai. He also worked as a production controller on some films.
Prakash Mehra in Mumbai
Mehra began as a errand boy, working on sets to earn a living. He served tea and handled minor tasks, observing directors and actors. After a long struggle, he became an assistant to the well-known filmmaker Dhirubhai Desai. He also worked as a production controller on some films.
Mehra’s career began as a songwriter for the film “Naag Devta (1962),” under S.N. Tripathi. In the film he wrote the song “Jhankar Payal Ki Tose Binti Kare,” sung by Asha Bhosle. He then wrote the children song “Phoophaji Zara Sach Sach Kaho” in Poornima (1965) under Kalyanji Anand Ji.
Mehra’s directorial debut came with the film “Haseena Maan Jayegi” in 1968, featuring Shashi Kapoor and Babita. The film was musical hit with music from Kalyanji Anandji. He followed by another musical hit Mela (1971), starring Feroz Khan, Sanjay Khan, and Mumtaz. These films established him as the director of repute.
In 1972 came the blockbuster Samadhi (1972), starring Dharmendra and Asha Parekh. His next was Rajendra Kumar‘s Aan Baan (1972), followed by Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara (1973), starring Rakesh Roshan and Leena Chandavarkar. He founded a production house, Prakash Mehra Productions, to control his projects.
The Birth Of Angry Youngman
In 1973, he collaborated with Salim–Javed for Zanjeer, which catapulted both Mehra and actor Amitabh Bachchan to stardom. This film marked the beginning of a new era in Hindi cinema and the birth of the ‘angry young man’ persona that would become synonymous with Bachchan. The film starring Pran, Amitabh, Jaya Bachchan and Ajit, was first film produced under Prakash Mehra Productions.In the film Amitabh portrays Inspector Vijay, an honest cop seeking justice from crime boss Seth Dharam Dayal Teja, played by Ajit. It was a turning point in Hindi cinema, shifting the trend from romantic films to action-packed dramas.
One of their most successful films was “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978)” a tragic love story featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Rakhi, and Vinod Khanna. Often called the modern retelling of the iconic story of “Devdas,” this film was a massive hit and is remembered for its powerful performances and memorable music.
The duo of Mehra and Bachchan delivered several hits, including “Hera Pheri (1976),” “Khoon Pasina (1977),” “Lawaaris (1981),” “Namak Halaal (1982),” and “Sharaabi (1984).” These films not only enjoyed commercial success but also shaped the masala genre, blending action, comedy, drama, and melodious music to create a complete entertainment package. The only film that did not achieve the desired success was “Jaadugar,” which ended their long association.
Other Work
Apart from Amitabh, Mehra, she also worked with Vinod Khanna in films like Haath Ki Safai (1974), Hera Pheri (1976), Khoon Pasina (1977), and Aakhri Daku (1978).
Mehra’s contributions to Indian cinema were far-reaching. He was one of the first Bombay directors to venture into Hollywood, although his ambitious project ‘The God Connection’ with Frank Yandolino, despite initial funding, never came to fruition.
Some of his other notable films are Khalifa (1976), Jwalamukhi (1980), Desh Drohee (1980), Muqaddar Ka Faisla (1987), Mohabbat Ke Dushman (1988), Zindagi Ek Juaa (1992), and Bal Brahmchari (1996). He also produced Basu Chaterjee’s cult classic “Chameli Ki Shadi (1986)” and Partho Ghosh’s “Dalaal (1993).”
Prakash Mehra’s life was not without its challenges. From a street child, he rose through the ranks of the film industry to become one of its most influential figures. His poetic sensibility shone through in the music of his films, often contributing to their lasting appeal.
Mehra was also a very talented lyricist and wrote many popular songs like “Salaam-E-Ishq Meri Jaan Zara Qubool Kar Lo.” “Manzilen Apni Jagah Hain Raaste Apni Jagah,” “Apni Toh Jaise Taise,” “Aur Is Dil Mein Kya Rakha Hai,” “Dil To Dil Hai,” “Agar Dil Hamara Sheeshe Ke Badle Patthar Ka Hota,” and many more.
Style and Craft
Mehra was on of the filmakers who shaped the narrative style of 1970s and 80s films. His film often shows high action with romance and melodrama. His directorial style emphasized fast-paced narratives and dramatic confrontations. He relied on personal emotions, extending them into three-hour spectacles. Although he started with romantic film he chande his style with time. His films aften have themes like social justice, family honor, and revenge, reflecting 1970s-80s India’s struggles.
His process involved close collaboration with writers, notably Salim-Javed, to craft scripts. He preferred shooting in sequence, ensuring continuity. He explored corruption in Zanjeer and redemption in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, blending action with moral lessons. His films featured strong dialogues, often delivered by Kader Khan, and vibrant music by Kalyanji-Anandji or Bappi Lahiri.
Personal Life
Mehra married Meera Mehra. They had three sons: Puneet, Amit, and Sumeet. Puneet and Sumeet entered the industry, with Puneet producing Zanjeer’s remake. Mehra kept his family life low-profile, focusing on work.
On May 17, 2009, Prakash Mehra passed away in Mumbai due to pneumonia and multiple organ failure. He was survived by his wife, Meera Mehra, and his sons, Puneet, Amit, and Sumit Mehra.
Prakash Mehra on IMDB
