Om Puri’s sudden demise, following a massive heart attack at the age of 66 has sent shock waves in the industry and among his fans.
An actor of immense talent, Puri has left behind an impressive body of work in Indian cinema, Hollywood, European movies as well as television. Here’s revisiting some of those performances by the veteran actor which will remain etched in the minds of cinema lovers forever.
Bhavni Bhavai (1980): This Ketan Mehta film saw Puri play a poor narrator. The film also starred Smita Patil and Naseeruddin Shah in lead roles.
Ardh Satya: Again directed by Govind Nihalani, Ardh Satya saw Puri play the role of Anant Welankar, an idealistic sub-inspector with Bombay Police, who struggles to come to terms with the corruption around him. Puri received a National Award and Filmfare Award for best actor.
City of Joy (1992): In this film, Puri played a rural farmer called Hazari Pal, who moves to the fictitious Anand Nagar slum of Kolkata with his family in search of a better livelihood.
From peers like Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi to his young co-stars Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar, condolences poured in from Bollywood for the veteran actor. Hailing him as an “exceptional talent”, Bachchan condoled the death of his friend saying he is in grief after hearing the news.
“Shocked to learn of OM PURI Ji’s passing just now.. a dear friend a lovable colleague and an exceptional talent .. in grief!” Bachchan, who collaborated with Puri in Ghatak, Dev, Baabul, Kyun! Ho Gaya Na and Lakshya. Azmi,tweeted, “Om Puri! You have left us all too early.. I am so so sorry.. The fun the laughter the arguments so vividly etched in my mind.. Will miss you.”
An emotional Shyam Benegal said it is difficult for him to talk as he is still processing the news.
Fondly remembering the times he spent with Puri during the shoot of Don 2 in Berlin, Shah Rukh tweeted, “God’s garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best. Will miss your laughter over the shared brandy in Berlin. Will miss you lots Omji. RIP.”
Akshay, who worked with Puri in films like Aan: Men at Work, Hera Pheri, Awara Paagal Deewana and OMG Oh My God!, tweeted, “Sad to hear about the passing away of the very talented Om Puri, my co-actor in many films. Heartfelt condolences to the family. #RIP.”