Om Puri
Om Puri: A Legendary Actor and Social Activist
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Om Prakash Rajalakshmi Puri was born on October 18, 1950, in Ambala Cantt, Punjab, India. He is commonly known as Om Puri.
Birth and Death Dates
October 18, 1950 – January 6, 2017
Nationality and Profession(s)
Indian | Actor, Director, Producer
Om Puri was a renowned Indian actor, director, and producer who had an illustrious career spanning over four decades. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema.
Early Life and Background
Om Puri was born to a family of modest means in Ambala Cantt, Punjab. His father, Prem Singh, was a professor at the local college, while his mother, Uma Devi, was a housewife. Om Puri's early life was marked by financial struggles, which instilled in him a strong sense of social responsibility.
Puri developed an interest in acting during his school days and began performing in local plays. After completing his education, he joined the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, where he honed his craft under the guidance of renowned theatre personalities like Satyadev Dubey and Habib Tanvir.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Om Puri achieved numerous milestones, both as an actor and a social activist. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Winning two National Film Awards for Best Actor
Being awarded the Padma Shri in 1990 by the Government of India
Elected as the President of the Cine and Television Artists Association (CINTAA)
Serving as a member of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
Notable Works or Actions
Om Puri's extensive filmography includes over 300 films in various languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, and Punjabi. Some of his most notable works include:
Ardh Satya (1983): A critically acclaimed drama that earned him his first National Film Award
Lagaan (2001): A historical sports drama that was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film
* City of Gold (2010): A historical epic that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival
Om Puri was also a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights. He actively participated in various campaigns, including the anti-terrorist movement in Kashmir and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.
Impact and Legacy
Om Puri's impact on Indian cinema is immeasurable. He paved the way for future generations of actors by breaking free from traditional conventions and exploring unconventional roles. His commitment to social activism has inspired countless individuals to take a stand against injustice.
The legacy of Om Puri continues to inspire and influence artists, activists, and audiences alike. His remarkable life and achievements serve as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his community.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Om Puri's quotes and statements are widely remembered for their wisdom, wit, and candor. He was known for speaking truth to power and challenging social norms. His opinions on art, activism, and society continue to inspire and provoke thought, making him one of the most quoted and revered figures in Indian cinema.
Throughout his life, Om Puri remained true to himself and his values, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Quotes by Om Puri
We have filmmakers who make films with some kind of responsibility and take cinema seriously like Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, Prakash Jha. But now these people also take stars... Without stars they cannot work.
I don't expect anything from anybody. When you grow old Your days are gone; it is part of life.
I personally enjoy theatre, but preferably I do films so that I can reach up to maximum audience. If you want to give a serious message, it will reach out to maximum people through films. But through theatre, you can hardly reach out to about 3,000 audience at a time.
In western countries, there are roles written for older actors. Films are made on them, including love stories.
In theatre, you've got to make the connect with your audience in the first three minutes. If you haven't, you know you've almost lost them.
I have been in the film industry for 35 years, and everyone, including the spot-boys, will vouch for my character.
I feel even old people can do a nice love story, but here we don't make that kind of films. In the West, such films are being made and they make a nice romance, which is more like compassion.
Every person wants to stretch himself and widen his audience. Since Hollywood has got more exposure and is shown all over the world, it's obvious that every actor would want to do an English film and explore himself.
