OP Sharma (1952–2022) was an Indian magician and juggler who performed in over 39,000 magic shows in India and other countries. He was known as the master of illusion.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
OP Sharma alias Om Prakash Sharma was born on Tuesday, 1 April 1952 (age at the time of death 70 years) in Moolgaon, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. His zodiac sign is Aries. He did his schooling from PS Bihara Harpur Primary School, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. After this he took admission in Kunwar Singh Inter College, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. In 1970, he completed his graduation in Mechanical Engineering from TD College, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. Later he did a course in mechanical design.
Physical Appearance
Height (Approx): 5′ 5″
Hair Color: Black
Eye colour: black
Family
parents and siblings
Not much information is available about his parents. OP Sharma had an elder brother.
wife and children
In 1962, he got married to a girl named Meenakshi Sharma. The couple has three sons and a daughter. His eldest son Prem Prakash works in Delhi Doordarshan. His second son, Satya Prakash alias OP Sharma Jr., is a magician, and his third son, Pankaj Prakash, ran a printing press. OP Sharma’s daughter’s name is Renu Sharma.
OP Sharma with his family
OP Sharma with his son OP Sharma Jr.
Address
MIG-A, Barra 2, Barra World Bank, Barra, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208027
OP Sharma’s journey to become a magician
When OP Sharma was studying in class 2, he became interested in magic tricks. He used to show magic tricks to his classmates. Talking about this during an interview, he said,
It all started when I was in second grade, about 7 or 8 years old. I did a small act and it was appreciated by students and teachers alike. I became the center of attraction and started performing magic tricks every week on Friday.”
Initially his parents did not like his inclination towards witchcraft and opposed it. However, when he started gaining popularity for his tricks, he started supporting them. In an interview, OP Sharma had said that his elder brother supported him in making a career as a magician. He said,
No one in my family had any magic show experience. But, my elder brother was my real strength who supported my interest. I still remember him visiting me during summer vacations and working on magic tricks with me. As I grew up, I started reading books about magic and continued my studies at the same time.”
A poster of OP Sharma’s magic show
After completing his graduation, in 1971 he got a job as a mechanical designer at the Small Arms Factory, Kanpur. His first stage performance as a magician was in Shastri Nagar Colony, Kanpur. Later, he performed in his first professional magic show in Mumbai. He continued performing in magic shows alongside his job. Soon, he started gaining popularity in India and also received many offers to perform in different parts of India and other countries. His magic shows usually began with a man coming out of an empty box. His show was famous by the name of ‘Indrajal’. Later, his son joined him in magic shows as magician OP Sharma Jr. Then he started a magic show group ‘Prakash Magico’. There were more than 13 magicians in his group.
Death
He had some medical problems with his kidneys for the last few years. In October 2022, he was admitted to Fortune Hospital in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh for treatment. On 15 October 2022, he breathed his last in the hospital and died due to kidney related ailments.
Facts/General Knowledge
- OP Sharma had built his house named ‘Bhoot Bungalow’ in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The infrastructure of his house is like a haunted house.
OP Sharma’s bungalow
- In 2001, he was honored with the National Magic Award and the title of “Shahensha-e-Jadu” (King of Magic) by the Indian Magic Media Circle.
- Once he had contested elections from Govindnagar Assembly seat from Samajwadi Party. In 2019, he left Samajwadi Party and joined BJP.
- One of his favorite quotes was,
Life is a magic and magic is my life.”
- In an interview he was asked about his inspiration as a magician. He said,
I have always tried to learn from others, imbibing whatever good qualities they have. I was really mesmerized by Jadugar K Lal’s show and he inspired me to make my show great. Presentation is important in this area.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn