Om Puri, one of India’s most iconic actors died after suffering a massive heart attack. The two-time National Award winning actor had starred in several Hollywood films as well. During my stint as a mass communication student, I got an opportunity to watch his films which left me spellbound.
Be it his brief role in Richard Attenborough’s critically acclaimed film Gandhi, or an upright police officer Anant Velankar in Ardh Satya, Om Puri became an inspiration for many aspiring actors. Having been a part of the parallel cinema era which saw him act in Aakrosh, Dharavi and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, he defied stereotypes about Indian films being only about tearjerking moments or singing songs while running around trees.
Although an ardent fan of Bollywood cinema, I did not miss an opportunity to watch him whenever films featuring him were released. By the way, he did act in commercially successful films, including Don: The Chase Begins Again, Don 2, Agneepath, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, to name a few.
Puri did not limit himself to Indian shores. He acted in numerous Hollywood and British films in his illustrious career. In a film industry mostly centered around demi-god stars, Puri commanded a fan following of his own. This scene from Gandhi is just a small example of his brilliant acting.
In Hollywood, Puri rubbed shoulders with Tom Hanks in Charlie Wilson’s Wars, Michael Douglas in The Ghost and the Darkness, Helen Mirren in The Hundred-Foot Journey. I don’t need to explain further. Go watch these films yourself.
Not just serious roles, Puri also dabbled in comedy and left us in splits with his stellar show in Hera Pheri, Kunwara and Malamal Weekly. This scene from Priyadarshan’s Hera Pheri wherein Puri confronts Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal is hilarious.
Now, his demise has created a void which might not be filled. May his soul rest in peace.
Also read: Remembering Om Puri: A look at some of his best films
