Om Puri was a renowned Indian actor who had a prolific career spanning across mainstream Indian films, art films, British, and American films. He was the recipient of an honorary OBE.
Born in Ambala, Haryana, Puri's father worked on the railways and served in the Indian Army. He graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India and was also an alumnus of the 1973 class of National School of Drama, where he studied alongside Naseeruddin Shah.
Puri's film career spanned over four decades, during which he worked in numerous Indian films, as well as films produced in the United Kingdom and the United States. He made his film debut in the 1976 film Ghashiram Kotwal and went on to collaborate with acclaimed directors and actors, including Amrish Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, and Smita Patil.
Puri was critically acclaimed for his performances in many unconventional roles, including a victimized tribal in Aakrosh, a police inspector in Ardh Satya, and the leader of a cell of Sikh militants in Maachis. He also appeared in commercial films like Gupt and Dhoop, and had a memorable role in the Kannada movie A.K. 47.
In addition to his film work, Puri also appeared in several British films, including My Son the Fanatic, East Is East, and The Parole Officer. He also appeared in Hollywood films like City of Joy, Wolf, and The Ghost and the Darkness. His versatility as a comedian was showcased in Hindi television serials like Kakkaji Kaheen and Mr. Yogi.
Puri received critical acclaim for his performances in films like Tamas, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Chachi 420, and Malamaal Weekly. His recent Hindi film roles include Singh Is Kinng, Mere Baap Pehle Aap, and Billu. He also appeared in the TV series Aahat during its second season.
Throughout his career, Puri was known for his exceptional acting skills and his ability to take on a wide range of roles. He was a true artist and a master of his craft, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
