One of the most celebrated Indian actors on the international stage, was born in Ambala on October 18, 1950. After his initial education, he joined the National School of Drama in Delhi to study theatre acting. His friend, Naseeruddin Shah, encouraged Puri to follow him to the Film and Television Institute of India in Poona.
Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself there.
Om Puri
Puri’s first film was Chor Chor Chhup ja, a children’s film, he goes on to do over 300 movies, in Hindi, Malayalam, Bengali, Kannada, English, Punjabi, Gujarati, Telugu, and Marathi.
His talent transcended borders, making him a prominent figure in international cinema. Widely recognized as one of the finest actors globally, he garnered two National Film Awards for Best Actor, two Filmfare Awards, and the prestigious Padma Shri in 1990. In 2004, he received an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to the world of cinema.
Om Puri’s noteworthy talent blossomed in the realm of Indian Parallel Cinema, especially during the second phase with the inception of the NFDC. His deep understanding of theater enhanced his acting prowess, skillfully employing language to bring sophistication to even the most intense roles. Puri’s distinctive voice, marked by reason and passion, became a defining element in his performances, adding an elegant touch to his dialogue delivery. His collaborations with directors like Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani and Ketan Mehta were most fruitful, producing gem after gem.
Puri made his debut in the mainstream film genre in the 1976 Marathi film Ghashiram Kotwal based on a Marathi play by Vijay Tendulkar.
Om Puri is celebrated for his powerful performances in films such as Aakrosh (1980), Arohan (1982), Bhavni Bhavai (1980), Mirch Masala (1986), Dharavi (1992) and Ardh Satya (1983). Noteworthy contributions extend to television with memorable roles in Sadgati (1981) directed by Satyajeet Ray and Tamas (1987). He showcased versatility with lighter roles in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) and Chachi 420 (1997), along with mainstream commercial hits like Ghayal, Narsimha, Ghatak and many more.
Om Puri featured in the British TV series “The Jewel in the Crown” in mid-1980s. He successfully transitioned and does international productions especially My Son the Fanatic (1997) and East Is East (1999), earning a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Actor. Earlier, he played a role in Richard Attenborough’s “Gandhi.” The 1994 film “In Custody,” directed by Ismail Merchant and starring Shashi Kapoor, hinted at Om Puri’s potential foray into British and American cinema.
He appeared in Hollywood films including City of Joy (1992), opposite Patrick Swayze; Wolf (1994) with Jack Nicholson; and The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) opposite Val Kilmer. In 2007, he appeared as General Zia-ul-Haq in Charlie Wilson’s War, which stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. In 2014, he appeared opposite Helen Mirren in the comedy-drama The Hundred-Foot Journey.
Om Puri belonged to a cohort of actors in Parallel Cinema, rising in the late ’70s alongside Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, and Smita Patil. Throughout his career, he voiced dissent against the establishment. Even in his last times, criticized by mainstream Indian media for his traditional liberalism, Om Puri remained steadfast in his political convictions.
