Mumbai, 5 January. The late actor Om Puri’s life is a remarkable story of struggle, hard work and success. Known for his powerful performances from Bollywood to Hollywood, Om Puri spent his childhood in extreme poverty. At just six years old, he began washing utensils at a tea stall to help his family financially.
Om Puri dreamed of becoming a loco pilot since childhood but never imagined he would become such a shining star in the world of acting. He was a name that rose by fighting difficult circumstances. However, he credited Naseeruddin Shah for introducing him to the acting world.
Born on 18 October 1950 in Patiala district of Punjab, Om Puri’s early life was not easy. While other children played, he worked at a tea stall to support his family. Due to financial hardship, his family’s condition worsened day by day. He washed utensils and took on various small jobs to help maintain the household.
Om Puri’s second wife, Nandita, wrote a book titled ‘Unlikely Hero: Om Puri’ that highlights many aspects and stories of his life. She mentioned his deep connection with trains; he often slept in railway yards at night. Though he aspired to be a loco pilot, fate had other plans. The world of acting embraced him and brought him international fame.
His circumstances led him to enroll at the National School of Drama (NSD), where he met Naseeruddin Shah. During their course, the two developed a strong friendship. They also studied together at the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune. Om Puri considered Naseeruddin Shah a close friend and mentor. On a show with actor Anupam Kher, he said, “I am very grateful to Naseer Sahab. Though I had other mentors, the credit for making me a true actor goes to him. If he had not stood by me, I might not be here. I will always remain indebted to him.”
Om Puri started his film career with the Marathi film ‘Ghashiram Kotwal’. He gained major recognition in Hindi cinema with the 1980 film ‘Aakrosh’. His performance in this revolutionary film was highly praised, earning him the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor award. He went on to deliver memorable performances in films like ‘Ardh Satya’, ‘Arohan’, ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’, and ‘Malamal Weekly’.
His greatest strength was bringing life to every role, big or small. Om Puri was famous for serious and realistic roles, and he also excelled in comedy. He made his mark internationally through Hollywood films such as ‘City of Joy’, ‘Wolf’, and ‘The Ghost and the Darkness’.
Om Puri married twice, first to Seema Kapoor and later to journalist Nandita Puri. He received numerous national and international awards and inspired many young actors by guiding them. Om Puri passed away on 6 January 2017 due to a heart attack at the age of 66.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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