SwapnilSansar.David Abraham Cheulkar (1909–December 28, 1981), popularly known as David, was a Jewish-Indian, Hindi film actor. In a career spanning four decades, he played mostly character roles, starting with 1941 film Naya Sansar, and went on to act in over 110 films, including memorable films like, Gol Maal (1979), Baton Baton Mein (1979) and Boot Polish (1954) for which he was awarded the 1955 Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.A member of Mumbai’s Bene Israel community, he was actively associated with IPTA, a theatre organization and hence went on take part of many Khwaja Ahmad Abbas’s films, including, Palme d’Or nominee Pardesi (1957),Shehar Aur Sapna (1963), which won the 1964 National Film Award for Best Feature Film, Munaa and Char Dil Char Raahein.
Strongly associated with friendly uncle roles, David is best known for his portrayal of “John Chacha” in the 1954 hit and Filmfare Award for Best Film winner and Palme d’Or nominee,Boot Polish, directed by Prakash Arora, for which he won the 1955 Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.The song “Nanhe Munne Bachche” from the film, picturized with him became a memorable song of that era.
In his prime, in the period 1959-1975, David was one of the best and the well-known anchor, compere and the host of the prominent award shows and other functions.In one of the speeches Jawaharlal Nehru, the prime minister, told any of the event will be surely be incomplete without David’s speech.
He was involved in promoting sports, and later became India’s Olympic Games representative He was awarded the Padma Shri award in 1969 by Government of India.He never married and died on 28 December 1981 in Toronto, Canada of heart attack at the age of 73.
Door-Desh (1983) – Released after his death.Sumbandh (1982) – Released after his death.Khubsoorat (1980)Gol Maal (1979)Baton Baton Mein (1979)Hamare Tumhare (1979)Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978) Khatta MeethaShatranj Ke Khilari (1977)Chupke Chupke (1975)Abhimaan (1973)Haathi Mere Saathi (1971) Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai (1969)Satyakam (1969)Sapnon Ka Saudagar (1968)
Upkar (1967)Anupama (1966)Mamta (1966)Himalay Ki Godh Mein (1965) Ek Phool Char Kaante (1960)Return of Mr. Superman (Mr. Superman ki Wapsi) (1960)Amar Deep (1958)Pardesi (1957)Bhai Bhai (1956)Boot Polish (1954)Insaaf (1946)Nargis (1946)Ghulami (1945)Insaan (1944)Tasveer (1943)Anjaan (1941)Naya Sansar (1941)
“John Chacha”
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