There are names in the world of Hindi cinema whose journey inspires everyone. There is a name of such a director and film producer who started his career with little money, but later became the messiah for Amitabh Bachchan. It is none other than superhit director Prakash Mehra. Even though he is considered one of the most successful directors in Bollywood today, he started out under very difficult circumstances. One day he reached Mumbai with just 13 rupees. To make a name for himself in Mayanagari, he did petty jobs, worked in a barber shop and faced many problems. His determination to do something has earned him a big name in Hindi cinema.
Prakash Mehra was born on July 13, 1939 in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. Since childhood, he was very interested in music and cinema. The beginning of his life was not easy. His mother died in childhood, and his father also distanced himself from family life. In such circumstances, he was brought up among relatives. Because of his love for cinema, he decided to come to Mumbai at a young age.
have you ever gone to a hairdresser?
It is said that when Prakash Mehra was a teenager, he left home to pursue his dreams. He had only 13 rupees. At that time, it was not easy to reach Mumbai and get a place in the film industry. He had to struggle a lot in the first days. After wandering around looking for work, he did odd jobs to earn a living. He even worked in a hairdresser, but the dream of making films always remained in his head.
Entered the film industry like this
During his struggling days, he met some people associated with the film industry and gradually started getting work in films. He initially worked as a production supervisor. After this he also worked as an assistant director. Having thoroughly understood the world of cinema, he moved towards directing.
It started out that way and became a hit.
In 1968, Prakash Mehra began his career as a director with the film Haseena Maan Jayegi. The film was a success and he never looked back after that. He made films like Mela, Samadhi and An-Ban, which were loved by the audience. The biggest film of his career was Zanjeer, released in 1973. This film changed the history of Hindi cinema.
Saved Amitabh Bachchan from failure
At that time, many of Amitabh Bachchan’s films were not successful and he was considered a failed actor. But Prakash Mehra expressed confidence in him and gave him a chance at Zanjeer. The success of the film made Amitabh Bachchan a big star overnight and he became known as the “Angry Young Man”.
Later made many super hits
After Zanjeer, the pairing of Prakash Mehra and Amitabh Bachchan gave many memorable films. These include super hits like Hera Pheri, Khun Pasina, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Laawaris, Namak Halal and Sharabi. These films gave both of them a special place in Hindi cinema.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Prakash Mehra was not limited to just directing, he also produced many films. He has also produced films like Dalal, Zindagi Ek Jua and Bal Brahmachari. In 2006, the Indian Film Directors Association presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Apart from this, he also received a Lifetime Achievement Award as a producer.
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Prakash Mehra died on May 17, 2009 in Mumbai. He was 69 years old. He died due to illness, but the films he made are still popular with audiences.