One of the most versatile actors of Indian cinema Om Puri turns 60 on 18th October 2010. We take a look at his life and journey in the world of cinema so far.
One of the most versatile actors of Indian cinema Om Puri turns 60 on 18th October 2010. We take a look at his life and journey in the world of cinema so far.
Om Puri was born in Ambala on October 18, 1950
Om Puri always wanted to be an actor. He graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India and also attended the National School of Drama in 1973.
His first film was Ghashiram Kotwal in 1976. It was based on a Marathi play of the same name written by playwriter Vijay Tendulkar in 1972.
– Om Puri worked with the cream of Indian acting talent including Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi. Among his impressive body of work are films like Bhavani Bhavai (1980), Sadgati (1981), Ardh Satya (1982), Mirch Masala (1986) and Dharavi (1992.
Director Govin Nihalani's Aakrosh (1981) had Om Puri in a class of his own. Playing an ill-treated tribal, he won hearts without delivering a single dialogue in the movie.
Aakrosh got him Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.
In the very next year he got National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in the movie Arohan.
The industry took note of his immense talent and offers and awards poured in in equal measure. However, he remained focused on his art, never allowing it to be overwhelmed by the awards
His role of a police officer in Ardh Satya got him National Film Award for Best Actor for the second time.
Om Puri also had a small but critical role as Nahari in Richard Attenborough's Oscar winning Gandhi.
In the ‘90s he tried his hand at commercial cinema, proving to be as competent in the mainstream as he was in the arthouse genre. He was also one of the earliest Indian actors to successfully crossover to international cinema with some well received British movies.
My Son the Fanatic (1997), East is East (1999) and The Parole Officer (2001) are a few British films which established Om Puri internationally.
Hollywood came calling as well with City of Joy (1992), Wolf (1994) and The Ghost and the Darkness (1996).
In 2004 he was awarded with Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his valuable contributions to The British Film Industry.
Om Puri displayed impeccable comic talent in cult movie Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, whose impressive cast included long time collaborator Naseeruddin Shah .
Some of his other comedy characters in hit films like Khadak Singh of Hera Pheri, Balwant 'Balu' of Malamaal Weekly and Rangeela of Singh Is Kinng have the knack of tickling the funny bone.
– Om Puri also appeared in mainstream dramatic roles such as Aslam's father in Rang De Basanti, a tough cop in Gupt and the father of a martyred soldier in Dhoop, proving himself master of all genres.
He ventured into television world with Govind Nihalani's television film Tamas (1987).
His work in television serials like Kakkaji Kaheen (1988) and Mr. Yogi (1989) made him a household name.
Some of his latest releases are The Hangman, Na Ghar Ke Na Ghaat Ke, Bolo Raam, Kurbaan, London Dreams, Delhi 6 and Wanted.
The actor was recently beleaguered by allegations of sexual misconduct. In her book Unlikely Hero : Om Puri, his wife Nandita revealed that he sexually exploiting their domestic help.
Nandita Puri has been accused of using this unsavoury means to boost sales of the book. Om Puri himself strongly denied these allegations .
Despite his implied murky past Om Puri's 4 decade long career is one of hard work, powerhouse performances and unparalleled acclaim.
