OP Sharma (1952-2022) was an Indian magician and illusionist, who performed in over 39,000 magic shows in India and other countries. He is known as the Master of Illusion.
Wiki/Biography
OP Sharma aka Om Prakash Sharma was born on Tuesday, 1 April 1952 (age 70 years, at time of death) in Moolgaon, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. His zodiac sign is Aries. He attended PS Bihara Harpur Primary School, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. He later attended Kunwar Singh Inter College, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. In 1970, he pursued his studies in mechanical engineering at TD College, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. Later, he did a course in mechanical design.
Physical appearance
Height (approx): 5′ 5″
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Family
Parents & Siblings
Not much information is available about his parents. OP Sharma has an elder brother.
Wife & Children
In 1962, he married a girl named Meenakshi Sharma. The couple has three sons and a daughter. His eldest son, Prem Prakash, works at Delhi Doordarshan. His second son, Satya Prakash aka OP Sharma Jr., is a magician, and his third son, Pankaj Prakash, operates a printing press. OP Sharma’s daughter name is Renu Sharma.
OP Sharma with his family
OP Sharma with his son OP Sharma Jr.
Address
MIG-A, Barra 2, World Bank Barra, Barra, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208027
OP Sharma’s Journey to Becoming a Jaadugar
While OP Sharma was studying in class 2, he developed an interest in magic. He used to show tricks to his classmates. During an interview, while talking about it, he said,
This all started when I was in 2nd standard, almost 7 or 8 years old. I did a small play and it was greatly appreciated by the students and teachers. I became the center of attraction and started doing tricks on Fridays every week.”
At first, his parents didn’t like his inclination towards magic and they were against him. However, when he started gaining popularity for his tricks, they started supporting him. In an interview, OP Sharma said that his brother supported him in pursuing his career as a magician. He said,
No one in my family has a background in magic. But, my brother is my real strength who supports my passion. I remember him visiting during the summer holidays and working magic with me. When I got older, I started reading books about magic and continued my studies in parallel.”
Poster of OP Sharma’s magic show
After completing his studies, in 1971, he got a job as a mechanical designer at Small Arms Factory, Kanpur. His first performance as a magician was in Shastri Nagar colony, Kanpur. Later, he performed in his first commercial magic show in Mumbai. He continues to perform in magic shows along with his job. Soon, he started gaining popularity in India and got many offers to perform in various places in India and other countries as well. His magic show usually begins with a man emerging from an empty box. His show is popularly known as ‘Indrajaal.’ Later, his son joined him in a magic show as magician OP Sharma Jr. He then started a magic show group ‘Prakash Magico.’ His group has more than 13 magicians.
Death
Over the past few years, he has had several medical problems with his kidneys. In October 2022, he was admitted to Fortune Hospital, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh for treatment. On October 15, 2022, he breathed his last in the hospital and died of a kidney-related illness.
Facts/Trivia
- OP Sharma has built his house named ‘Bhoot Bangla’ in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The infrastructure of his house is like a haunted house.
OP Sharma bungalow
- In 2001, he was awarded with the National Magic Award and the title “Shehensha-e-Jadoo” (King of Magic) by the Magic Media Circle of India.
- Once, he contested for the Govindnagar Assembly seat for the Samajwadi Party. In 2019, he left the Samajwadi Party and joined the BJP.
- One of his favorite quotes is,
Life is Magic and Magic is my life.”
- In an interview, he was asked about his inspiration as a magician. He said,
I always try to learn from others, absorb whatever good qualities they have. I was completely mesmerized by Magician K Lal’s performance and he inspired me to make my show great. Presentation is important in this field.”
Categories: Biography
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
