Om Prakash Puri, OBE was an Indian actor who appeared in mainstream commercial Hindi films as well as Urdu, Malayalam, Bengali, Kannada, English, Punjabi, Gujarati, Telugu, and Marathi films, as well as independent and art films and also starred in several international cinema.
Born: October 18, 19...
Om Prakash Puri, OBE was an Indian actor who appeared in mainstream commercial Hindi films as well as Urdu, Malayalam, Bengali, Kannada, English, Punjabi, Gujarati, Telugu, and Marathi films, as well as independent and art films and also starred in several international cinema.
Born: October 18, 1950, Ambala, India
Died: January 6, 2017 (age 66 years), Andheri, India
Spouse: Nandita Puri (m. 1993–2013)
Siblings: Ved Puri
Children: Ishaan Puri
Parents: Tara Devi, Tek Chand Puri Om Puri was an Indian actor who has appeared in both mainstream Indian films and art films. His credits also include appearances in British and American films. He has received an honorary OBE.
Puri was born in Ambala, Haryana. His father worked on the railways and served in the Indian Army. Puri graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India. He is also an alumnus of the 1973 class of National School of Drama where Naseeruddin Shah was a co-student.
Puri had worked in numerous Indian films and in many films produced in the United Kingdom and the United States. He made his film debut in the 1976 film Ghashiram Kotwal, based on a Marathi play of the same name. He has claimed that he was paid "peanuts" for his best work. He had collaborated with Amrish Puri as well as Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil in art films such as Bhavni Bhavai (1980), Sadgati (1981), Ardh Satya (1982), Mirch Masala (1986) and Dharavi (1992). He had been active in cinema. He was critically acclaimed for his performances in many unconventional roles such as a victimized tribal in Aakrosh (1980) (a film in which he spoke only during flash-back sequences); Jimmy's manager in Disco Dancer (1982); a police inspector in Ardh Satya (1982), where he revolts against life-long social, cultural and political persecution and for which he got the National Film Award for Best Actor; the leader of a cell of Sikh militants in Maachis (1996); as a tough cop again in the commercial film Gupt in 1997; and as the courageous father of a martyred soldier in Dhoop (2003). In 1999, Puri acted in a Kannada movie A.K. 47 as a strict police officer who tries to keep the city safe from the underworld - it became a huge commercial hit. Puri's acting in the movie is very memorable. He has rendered his own voice for the Kannada dialogues. In the same year, he starred in the successful British comedy film East is East, where he played a first-generation Pakistani immigrant in the north of England, struggling to come to terms with his far more westernized children. Om Puri had a cameo in the highly acclaimed film Gandhi (1982, directed by Richard Attenborough). In the mid-1990s, he diversified to play character roles in mainstream Hindi cinema, where his roles are more tuned to mass audiences than film critics. He became known internationally by starring in many British films such as My Son the Fanatic (1997), East Is East (1999) and The Parole Officer (2001). He appeared in Hollywood films including City of
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Om Puri: A Legendary Actor Om Puri was one of India's most versatile and acclaimed actors, known for his powerful performances that transcended traditional cinematic boundaries. With a career spanning over four decades, he left an indelible mark on Indian and international cinema. by Kirtida Karol
Early Life and Background 1 Humble Beginnings Born in a small town in Haryana, India, Om Puri came from a modest family background, which would later influence his grounded and authentic portrayals. 2 Education and Training He honed his craft at the prestigious National School of Drama, where he developed his unique acting style and social awareness. 3 Early Struggles Despite facing financial hardships and societal expectations, Puri remained dedicated to his passion for acting, paving the way for his remarkable career.
Rise to Stardom 1 Breakthrough Roles Puri's captivating performances in films like Ardh Satya and Aakrosh established him as a force to be reckoned with in Indian cinema. 2 Critical Acclaim His ability to portray complex, socially relevant characters earned him widespread recognition and acclaim from both audiences and critics. 3 Versatility Puri's diverse filmography ranged from gritty realism to lighthearted comedies, showcasing his remarkable versatility and range as an actor.
Acclaimed Performances Ardh Satya Puri's powerful performance as a conflicted police officer in this classic film earned him critical acclaim and cemented his status as one of India's most talented actors. East is East In this British comedy-drama, Puri brought depth and nuance to his portrayal of a Pakistani immigrant struggling to balance his cultural traditions with the changing world around him. The Namesake Puri's sensitive and emotional performance as the patriarch of a family torn between two cultures in this Mira Nair film was widely praised.
International Recognition Acclaim Puri's acclaimed performances earned him recognition at prestigious international film festivals and awards shows. Global Reach He collaborated with acclaimed directors and actors from around the world, further expanding his influence and impact. Cross-Cultural Appeal Puri's ability to embody diverse characters resonated with audiences globally, transcending cultural boundaries.
Contributions to Indian Cinema Social Realism Puri's choice of socially conscious and politically charged films helped shape the landscape of Indian parallel cinema. Pushing Boundaries He challenged conventional notions of Indian masculinity and explored complex human experiences on screen. Mentorship Puri generously shared his knowledge and experience, mentoring and inspiring younger generations of Indian actors. Iconic Roles His memorable performances in films like Mirch Masala and Sparsh have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Honors and Awards National Film Awards Puri received numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor. Padma Shri The Indian government honored him with the Padma Shri, one of the country's highest civilian awards. International Acclaim He was also recognized globally, receiving awards and nominations at prestigious film festivals worldwide.
Legacy and Impact 1 Trailblazer Puri's groundbreaking performances and his commitment to socially relevant cinema made him a trailblazer in the Indian film industry. 2 Inspiration His dedication and versatility have inspired generations of actors, who continue to be influenced by his iconic legacy. 3 Enduring Impact Even after his passing, Om Puri's remarkable body of work and his indelible mark on Indian cinema continue to be celebrated and remembered.