✦ Celebrity stories, facts and career updates. Explore F4U now →
O. P. Sharma (Magician) biographyFeatured Biography

Image source: StarsUnfolded

Celebrities

O. P. Sharma (Magician) Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

Quick Info

Date of birth1 April 1952

Age70 (at time of death)

BirthplaceMoolgaon, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh

ProfessionMagician, Illusionist

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseMeenakshi Sharma

FamilyThree sons (Prem Prakash, Satya Prakash/O. P. Sharma Jr., Pankaj Prakash) and one daughter (Renu Sharma)

O. P. Sharma (Magician) Biography

O. P. Sharma was an Indian magician and illusionist known for long-running live shows, a signature illusion act, and a career that spanned decades. He was,

Early life and background
Om Prakash (O. P.) Sharma was born on 1 April 1952 in Moolgaon, Ballia, in Uttar Pradesh. He grew up in Ballia and attended P. S. Bihara Harpur Primary School before moving on to Kunwar Singh Inter College and T. D. College in Ballia. He completed a graduation in mechanical engineering from T. D. College in 1970 and also took a course in mechanical design.

Sharma’s interest in magic began in early childhood. He recalled performing small tricks while in the second grade and getting strong encouragement from teachers and fellow students. Though his family did not initially approve of his choice to pursue magic, his elder brother actively supported and worked with him on tricks during holidays.

Career
While working as a designer at the Small Arms Factory in Kanpur in 1971, Sharma continued to develop his magic career. His first performance took place in Shastri Nagar colony, Kanpur, and his first commercial show was held in Mumbai. Over time he developed a reputation for large-scale live performances and a signature illusion in which a man would appear to come out of an apparently empty box.

Sharma presented his work under the show title “Indrajaal” and emphasized that magic combined both art and science. He formed a troupe called Prakash Magico that at one point included more than thirteen magicians. He performed nationally and internationally, giving thousands of shows during his career.

In recognition of his contributions to the field, Sharma received the National Magic Award in 2001 and was given the honorary title Shehensha-e-Jadoo, translated as King of Magic, by the Indian Magic Media Circle.

Public profile
Sharma became a widely recognized figure in Indian magic, and his public persona included distinctive elements such as a house in Kanpur he built and labeled ‘Bhoot Bangla,’ designed with haunted-house‑style architecture. His family was also involved in the craft: one of his sons performs as O. P. Sharma Jr., continuing the stage name and magic work.

He spoke in interviews about the importance of presentation and credited earlier magicians, including K Lal, as inspirations for making his own shows more compelling. His stated approach blended study, reading about magic, and emulating strong qualities seen in other performers.

Personal life
Sharma married Meenakshi Sharma and was the father of four children—three sons and a daughter. His sons included Prem Prakash, who worked with Delhi Doordarshan; Satya Prakash (who performed as O. P. Sharma Jr.); and Pankaj Prakash, who ran a printing press. He lived in Kanpur later in life.

Politics and other pursuits
At different points Sharma engaged with political life. He contested for the Govindnagar Legislative Assembly seat as a candidate of the Samajwadi Party and later, in 2019, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Latest updates
O. P. Sharma died on 15 October 2022 at Fortune Hospital in Kanpur. He was 70 years old. The cause of death was reported as kidney-related ailments.

Legacy
Across a career that included tens of thousands of live performances, national awards, and mentoring within a family troupe, Sharma is remembered for popular stage illusions, a commitment to theatrical presentation, and for helping sustain a multi-generational presence in Indian magic.
◈

Recent Work

Indrajaal (live magic show)

Stage show featuring large-scale illusions, including a signature act where a man appears from an empty box.

✦

Career Highlights

  1. Performed extensively across India and internationally, delivering thousands of shows.
  2. Founded the Prakash Magico troupe, which included more than 13 magicians.
  3. Recipient of the National Magic Award (2001) and the title Shehensha-e-Jadoo.
?

Frequently Asked Questions

When was O. P. Sharma (Magician) born?

1 April 1952

What is O. P. Sharma (Magician) known for?

Magician, Illusionist

What is O. P. Sharma (Magician)’s marital status?

Married

Who is O. P. Sharma (Magician) married to?

Meenakshi Sharma