Here is the biography of Amrish Puri:
Amrish Puri was a renowned Indian actor who started his acting career in his early 40s. Despite not achieving his dream of playing the hero, he went on to become one of the most loved villains in Indian cinema. He was known for his powerful performances, distinctive voice, and memorable one-liners.
Puri was born in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, and graduated from the BM College. He was a leader of the RSS youth wing and remained a stickler for discipline and punctuality. He met his wife, Urmila, while working with the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in Mumbai. His elder brothers, Chaman Puri and Madan Puri, were also actors.
Puri's passion for acting led him to work in amateur theatre with notable directors and actors. He began his film career in the early 1970s and quickly gained recognition for his villainous roles in films like "Reshma Aur Shera" (1971) and "Kaadu" (1973). His performance in "Mr India" (1987) cemented his status as a iconic villain, and he went on to work in over 300 films.
Off-screen, Puri was a family man who valued education and encouraged his children to pursue secure professions. He was a health enthusiast who practiced yoga, enjoyed nutritious food, and was an early riser. He was also known for his love of watches and cars, and was particularly fond of Mercedez Benz.
Puri received a huge fan mail and was often mobbed by fans, but he remained humble and grounded. He was a protective and caring co-star, and his female co-stars appreciated his considerate nature. Despite his success, he remained cautious and mindful of his age, and was selective about his roles.
Puri's terminal illness was detected in 2003, but he continued to work on his projects until his death on January 12, 2005. He was 72 years old at the time of his passing. The Indian film industry paid tribute to him by shutting down for two days, and his funeral was attended by thousands of people.
Throughout his career, Puri received numerous awards and accolades, including the Filmfare Best Director trophy for his work in "Kaadu". He will always be remembered as one of the most iconic villains in Indian cinema, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.
