Om Puri Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Movies & Achievements
Introduction
Om Puri was one of the most respected actors in Indian and international cinema, known for his intensity, versatility, and realism. From parallel cinema to mainstream Bollywood and Hollywood, his career spanned over four decades and included powerful films like Aakrosh, Ardh Satya, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Maachis, City of Joy, East Is East, and The Hundred-Foot Journey. He was equally at home in serious roles and comedies, making him a rare gem of world cinema.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Om Prakash Puri
- Date of Birth: 18 October 1950
- Birthplace: Ambala, Punjab (now Haryana), India
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Died: 6 January 2017, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (aged 66)
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 78 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later grey)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Om Puri came from a modest Punjabi family. His father worked in the Indian Railways, and his childhood was marked by struggles and poverty. He often worked odd jobs to support his family while nurturing a dream of becoming an actor.
Education Journey
- Completed schooling in Ambala.
- Joined Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
- Later studied at the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi, alongside Naseeruddin Shah, forming a lifelong friendship.
Film Debut & Early Career
- Debut Film: Ghashiram Kotwal (1976), based on a Marathi play.
- Gained recognition with Govind Nihalani’s Aakrosh (1980), portraying a tribal man wronged by society.
- His raw and realistic acting style made him a cornerstone of India’s parallel cinema movement.
Rise to Stardom
Om Puri carved a unique path as an actor who could excel in both art films and commercial cinema:
- Ardh Satya (1982) – Won National Award for his role as an honest cop.
- Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) – Showcased his brilliant comic timing.
- Tamas (1987) – Landmark TV series that cemented his status as a serious actor.
- Maqbool (2003) – Played Inspector Pandit in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Shakespearean adaptation.
Bollywood Journey & Iconic Films
- Aakrosh (1980)
- Ardh Satya (1982)
- Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983)
- Chachi 420 (1997)
- Maachis (1996)
- Maqbool (2003)
- Chup Chup Ke (2006)
- Singh is Kinng (2008)
- Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
International Career
Om Puri was among the first Indian actors to gain significant recognition in international cinema:
- Gandhi (1982, cameo)
- City of Joy (1992) with Patrick Swayze
- East Is East (1999) – BAFTA-nominated British comedy-drama
- The Parole Officer (2001)
- The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014) with Helen Mirren
His gravelly voice, distinctive face, and powerful performances made him a global star.
Awards & Achievements
- National Film Award (2): For Arohan (1982) and Ardh Satya (1982).
- Filmfare Awards: Best Actor (Critics) multiple times.
- Padma Shri (1990).
- BAFTA Nomination (2000): For East Is East.
- Honored at several international film festivals for his contribution to cinema.
Personal Life
Om Puri’s personal life was as eventful as his professional one.
- Marriage & Family: He married journalist Seema Kapoor briefly in the 1990s. Later, he married journalist Nandita Puri, with whom he had a son, Ishaan. The couple eventually separated.
- Friendships: He shared a lifelong bond with Naseeruddin Shah from their NSD days. He also had strong working relationships with filmmakers like Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, and Gulzar.
- Struggles & Humility: Coming from a lower-middle-class background, Puri never forgot his humble roots. He often spoke about his early struggles of working odd jobs, including as a tea vendor and a porter, before making it big in films.
- Personality: Off-screen, Om Puri was witty, outspoken, and sometimes controversial because of his candid remarks. Yet, he was deeply respected for his honesty and his commitment to acting as a craft.
- Autobiography: His autobiography Unlikely Hero: The Story of Om Puri (2009), co-written with Nandita Puri, revealed candid details about his personal and professional life.
Death
On 6 January 2017, Om Puri passed away at his residence in Mumbai after suffering a massive heart attack. His death was mourned globally, with tributes from both Indian and international film communities.
Legacy & Influence
Om Puri is remembered as one of the finest actors of world cinema. He broke barriers by proving that Indian actors could thrive internationally. His career remains an inspiration for actors who wish to balance serious, parallel cinema with mainstream and global projects. For his fans, he was not just an actor but a symbol of dedication, truth, and fearlessness.
FAQs
Q1: What was Om Puri’s debut film?
A: Ghashiram Kotwal (1976).
Q2: Which film gave Om Puri global fame?
A: East Is East (1999).
Q3: Did Om Puri win any National Awards?
A: Yes, two – for Arohan (1982) and Ardh Satya (1982).
Q4: Who was Om Puri married to?
A: Seema Kapoor (briefly), later Nandita Puri (separated).
Q5: What was his autobiography called?
A: Unlikely Hero: The Story of Om Puri.
