Sharon Prabhakar, one of the pioneering names in Indian pop music, is a playback singer, actor, theatre personality, and public speaker. Some of her notable work came in films like “Apmaan,” “Jalwa,” “Mard,” “Bhavani Junction,” and albums like “Chal Disco Chal,” “What A Wonder…,” “Pyar Chhalke,” and many more.
Early Life and Career
Sharon Prabhakar was born on August 4, 1955, in Delhi into a diverse family background with a Punjabi father and Christian mother. Her mother was a music teacher, at All Saints’ Boarding School in Nainital. She inherited the love for music from her mother. She grew up with a brother and sister in a bilingual household, speaking Punjabi and English. Her parents’ turbulent marriage created a challenging home environment. At age five, she began singing, inspired by her mother’s musical influence. Her childhood in Delhi and Nainital fostered an early passion for performance, shaped by her mother’s encouragement and exposure to diverse musical traditions.
Prabhakar gets her early education from “All Saints’ School” in Nainital before attending the prestigios Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi. Years later, in 2004–2005, she earned a Master’s in Communication/Business Corporate Communications from Dale Carnegie Institute, New York.
She lived with her schoolteacher, Mrs. Bhatti, who encouraged her ambitions. Sharon worked at Sistas ad agency in Bombay, earning Rs. 350 monthly. She later joined Air India as an air hostess, realizing her true calling was singing. Her first professional singing job was at Oberoi Hotel’s nightclub in Mumbai, earning Rs. 350 per night.
Sharon Prabhakar on Stage
Her theatrical journey with began a bang in the early 1980s when she starred in the play Evita, directed by Alyque Padamsee. Her portrayal of the lead role and her rendition of the song ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ left an indelible mark on the audience and critics alike. The production was a massive success, running houseful for six consecutive years.
She has been part of several notable productions that have been critical and commercial successes. Some of her other popular theatre performances include Cabaret, ‘Butterflies Are Free, Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Odd Couple, each of which allowed her to explore different facets of her acting prowess.
Sharon Prabhakar The Singer
In the 1980s, Sharon Prabhakar emerged as a fresh voice in the Indian pop and disco genres. Her popularity earned her the title of the original pop star of Hindi music. Her style, often compared to the legendary Joan Baez, resonated with the youth of the time. With the success of his albums, she quickly became a household name.
Prabhakar sang her first film song, “I Wake Up In The Middle Of The Night,” in the 1978 film “Namaskar.” She followed it by “Come Live With Me And Be My Love,” in Junoon (1979), and “Love’s Reflections,” in Love In Canada (1979).
In 1981, Bappi Lahiri spotted her at the Oberoi, and gave her “Meri Jaisi Haseena” for the film Armaan (1981). This was the biggining of their long association. Together they gave songs like Pyar Chhalke Halke Halke (Sumbandh), Yeh Aag Aisi Hai Yeh Aag (Ek Din Bahu Ka), Ding Dong Ding Dong (Pasand Apni Apni), Aaiye Baahon Mein (Bhavani Junction), Salma O Salma (Insaaf Main Karoongaa), Do Re Me (Adventures Of Tarzan), Tu Chahe Jo Tera Dil Chahe To (Kismetwala), Dil Ki Dhadkan Kya Kahe (Veerana), One Two Cha Cha Cha (Rock Dancer), and many more. She also sang the famous numbers Sun Rubia Tumse Pyar Ho Gaya (Mard) and Feeling Hot Hot Hot (Jalwa).
A Pioneering Voice
In 1980, her album “Feeling Good” was released on the Polydor label. She got involved in the production of Obsession ’77, an album by psychedelic and hard rock band Atomic Forest. By the mid-1980s, her Hindi pop albums established her as a pioneer of Indi-pop, predating artists like Alisha Chinai and Baba Sehgal.
Her discography is a testament to her enduring appeal and includes hits like “Chal Disco Chal” and “Aaj Ki Raat.” Her albums, such as “Chal Disco Chal,” “What A Wonder…,” “Disco Mastana,” “London Calling,” “Shabash Sharon,” “Pyar Chhalke,” “Shararat,” “Suno Suno,” and “Burning,” showcase her versatility and ability to adapt to various musical styles.
Prabhakar also acted in films like “Kahan Kahan Se Guzar Gaya (1981),” “Akarshan (1988),” “Rock Dancer (1995),” “Saas Bahu Aur Sensex (2008),” “Ishq Ne Krazy Kiya Re (2015),” and “Bombairiya (2018).
Personal Life and Other Work
Sharon Prabhakar is also known for her work as a theatre actress, public speaker, and international corporate trainer. Her dynamic presence and eloquence have made her a sought-after motivational and life coach, inspiring many across different walks of life.
She founded SPIPS Global Solutions, providing communication training for corporations like Mercedes-Benz and Tata, and producing stage musicals likeLegend of Lovers and Magic of Motown.
Sharon wrote and performed in a mono-act autobiographical musical, That’s Life, reflecting her personal journey. She also founded a Women’s Entrepreneurial Network to support young women in business.
Sharon Prabhakar married DJ Bryan Mascarenhas in 1978, divorcing in 1982. In 1986, she married Alyque Padamsee, a prominent ad filmmaker and theatre personality. Together they had a daughter, Shazahn Padamsee, born in 1987, who is an actress and DJ. Sharon and Alyque separated later.
Sharon Prabhakar on IMDB
2 Comments