Remembering legendary Hindi film actor Prem Nath on his 93rd birth anniversary today.
Remembering legendary Hindi film actor Prem Nath on his 93rd birth anniversary today.
Known best for his iconic villains in movies like Karz (1980) and Sanyasi (1975), Prem Nath struck terror through his roles in Hindi cinema during the 1970s and 1980s. He is one of those rare villains who despite of having no lines and dialogues left an remarkable effect on the audiences. Sir Judah in Karz played by Prem Nath, was a mute but an malevolence villains of Hindi cinema. But the legendary actor’s versatility also saw him don comedic roles.
With over 150 movies to his credit, Prem Nath experimented with various style in each of his movies. While many actors prefer to become heroes, Prem Nath opted to be the dreaded villain. Prem Nath shot to fame with Raj Kapoor’s directorial debut ‘Aag’ in 1948 as its parallel lead. However, he preferred to thrill audiences as an antagonist.
Born on November 21, 1926 in a Punjabi family residing in Peshawar, Prem Nath Malhotra took up the name Prem Nath after his arrival in Bombay to work as a Hindi film actor. Prem Nath’s first Hindi film ‘Ajit’ which was released in the year 1948 was also one of the first color films made in the Hindi film industry. It was in the year 1949 that Prem Nath tasted success with appearances in films like ‘Aag’ and ‘Barsaat’. While Prem Nath was lucky to have been a part of Raj Kapoor’s debut directorial venture ‘Aag’, it was ‘Barsaat’ which made him popular in Hindi cinema.
Prem Nath went on to appear in many films for the next three decades, some of which were the biggest blockbusters in Hindi film history. The films in which he played the leading role failed to do well but the films in which he played the central villain role or supporting role were some of the biggest blockbusters in Hindi film history.
Some his most notable films were Aan (1952), Teesri Manzil (1966), Johny Mera Naam (1970), Tere Mere Sapne (1971), Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), Dharmatma (1975), Kalicharan (1976) and Desh Premee (1982). He also starred in the religious Punjabi film Sat Sri Akal (1977).
He earned Filmfare nominations as Best Supporting Actor for: Shor (1972), Bobby (1973), Amir Garib (1974), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974).
The actor was highly knowledgeable and had a fabulous knowledge of music. He knew 72 Raagas.
Prem Nath had married actress Bina Rai in 1950. Prem Nath’s sister was married to Raj Kapoor. Prem Nath’s another sister Uma is married to actor Prem Chopra.
Prem Nath died in 1992 of a heart attack at the age of 66.
