Om Puri was an acclaimed Indian actor whose works had encompassed mainstream commercial, art and independent films. Apart from Hindi film industry he had also appeared in British and American films. For his contributions in the film industry, he had been honored with the Padma Shri Award in the year 1990 which is the fourth highest Civilian Award of India. Om Puri was known for his versatility and his performances were immensely applauded by the critics as well as masses.
Early Life of Om Puri
Om Puri was born on 8th October 1950 in Ambala, Haryana. He did his graduation from the Film and Television Institute of India. He passed out from National School of Drama in the year 1973 where the famous Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah was his classmate.
Career of Om Puri
Om Puri made his debut as an actor in the year 1976 with the Marathi film Ghashiram Kotwal, which was based on the Marathi play of the same name. The movie was directed by Mani Kaul and K. Hariharan along with 16 graduates of the FTII. However his work in the film was not rewarded. Subsequently he acted in several art films namely Dharavi, Mirch Masala, Ardh Satya, Sadgati and Bhavni Bhavai collaborating with actors like Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah and Amrish Puri. His unconventional roles had earned him rave reviews from critics. His portrayal of a victimized tribal in Aakrosh and Jimmy`s manager in Disco Dancer were lauded by the critics. He essayed the role of a police inspector in Ardh Satya who revolts against lifelong social, cultural and political harassment and for his performance he had received the National Film Award for Best Actor. He was also appreciated for his role of the leader of a cell of Sikh militants in Maachis, a tough cop in Gupt and the courageous father of a martyred soldier in Dhoop.
In 1999, he starred in a Kannada movie A.K. 47 garnering commercial success. He was also appeared in the hit British comedy film East is East portraying a first-generation Pakistani immigrant in the north of England. He played a cameo role in the movie Gandhi. His acting career diversified in mid 1990s when he explored the mainstream Hindi cinema and gained applauses from the masses. Om Puri had also earned international acclamation for his performances in British films like My Son the Fanatic, East Is East, The Parole Officer etc. His Hollywood films include City of Joy, Wolf, The Ghost and the Darkness and Charlie Wilson`s War.
Om Puri had also ventured into television and appeared in serials like Kakkaji Kaheen, a parody on politicians, and Mr. Yogi. The serials showcased his comic performances adding to his versatility. He had gathered immense critical praises for his performance in Govind Nihalani"s television film Tamas which was based on the Hindi novel of the same name. He was also appeared in Aahat TV Series for a few episodes which were aired on Sony channel. Films like Malamaal Weekly, Chor Machaye Shor, Hera Pheri, Chachi 420 and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro further exhibited his excellent comic timings. Other films in which Om Puri has acted include Don 2, Road to Sangam, Billu, Mere Baap Pehle Aap, Singh Is King and many more. The veteran actor received appreciations from the people for being the voice of Bagheera in one of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters in India, "The Jungle Book".
Achievements of Om Puri
In 1981 Om Puri won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for Aakrosh. He had received the National Film Award twice as a Best Actor for the films Arohan and Ardh Satya in the years 1982 and 1984 respectively. In 1984 he received Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Best Actor for Ardh Satya while in 1998 he got Brussels International Film Festival Best Actor for My Son the Fanatic. Grand Prix Special des Ameriques Montreal World Film Festival for exceptional contribution to the cinematographic art was conferred on him in 1998. In 2007 he won Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to The British Film Industry. He was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
Death of Om Puri
Om Puri has passed away at the age of 66 on 6th January 2017 at his Lokhandwala`s Oakland Park residence in Mumbai due to suspected heart attack.
