Om Puri
Om Puri was one of those rare actors who could seamlessly move between art house cinema and blockbuster Bollywood without breaking a sweat. Born in Ambala, Punjab, he spent nearly five decades (1972-2017) building an incredible legacy across Hindi films, regional cinema, and international productions. The guy didn't just act—he elevated every project he touched, whether it was a gritty parallel cinema gem like *Ardh Satya* or a crowd-pleasing comedy like *Chachi 420*. His talent was recognized with two National Film Awards for Best Actor, a Padma Shri in 1990, and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2004, cementing his status as one of world cinema's finest performers. What made Om Puri truly special was his refusal to be boxed in. He had incredible chemistry with visionary directors like Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani, delivering raw, author-backed performances that felt authentically lived-in rather than performed. Beyond Bollywood, he made serious waves in international cinema—his BAFTA-nominated role in *East Is East* (1999) showed Western audiences what Indian cinema had known all along. From intense dramas like *Aakrosh* and *Tamas* to fun masala films like *Hera Pheri* and *Dhol*, he proved he could do it all. His contribution wasn't just about the roles he played; it was about bringing depth and dignity to Indian cinema on the world stage.
Awards & Nominations
• 1990: Padma Shri – India's fourth highest civilian award.
Filmography
Gul Makai
2020
Project Marathwada
2016
Mirzya
2016
Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho
2015
Uvaa
2015
Bazaar-E-Husn
2014
Heartless
2014
Policegiri
2013
Chaar Din Ki Chandni
2012
Agneepath
2012
Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal
2012
Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya
2012
Kucch Luv Jaisaa
2011
Don 2
2011
Don 2
2011
Khap
2011
Bin Bulaye Baraati
2011
Teen Thay Bhai
2011
Dabangg
2010
The Hangman
2010
Chal Chala Chal
2009
London Dreams
2009
Kurbaan
2009
Billu
2009
Delhi-6
2009
Mere Baap Pehle Aap
2008
Kismat Konnection
2008
Singh Is Kinng
2008
Mukhbiir
2008
Maharathi
2008
Fool & Final
2007
Buddha Mar Gaya
2007
Victoria No. 203
2007
Dhol
2007
Delhii Heights
2007
Rang De Basanti
2006
Malamaal Weekly
2006
Chup Chup Ke
2006
Don: The Chase Begins Again
2006
Deewane Huye Paagal
2005
AK-47
2004
Dev
2004
King of Bollywood
2004
Maqbool
2004
Kagaar: Life on the Edge
2003
Aapko Pehle Bhi Kahin Dekha Hai
2003
Dhoop
2003
Pitaah
2002
Kranti
2002
Ansh: The Deadly Part
2002
Awara Paagal Deewana
2002
Deewaanapan
2001
Farz
2001
Hey Ram
2000
Khoobsurat
1999
China Gate
1998
Chachi 420
1997
Mrityudand
1997
Aastha: In the Prison of Spring
1997
Chupp
1997
Krishna
1996
Maachis
1996
Ghatak
1996
Droh Kaal
1995
Zakhmi Sipahi
1995
Drohkaal
1994
Tarpan
1994
1.2
1992
Angaar
1992
Meena Bazar
1991
Ek Hi Maqsad
1988
Pravin Bhatt
1988
Tamas
1988
Hum Farishte Nahin
1988
Susman
1987
New Delhi Times
1986
Genesis
1986
Aghaat
1985
Paththar
1985
Nasoor
1985
Seepeeyan
1984
Giddh
1984
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro
1983
Ardh Satya
1983
Disco Dancer
1982
Sadgati
1981
Shaayad
1979
Shodh
1979
Saanch Ko Aanch Nahin
1979
Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan
1978
Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane
1977
Girish Karnad, B. V. Karanth
1977