Acting Career
Puri has worked in hundreds of Indian films and films produced in the United Kingdom and the United States. He bears no relation to the other great Indian actor, Amrish Puri, but has collaborated in many films with great actors like Amrish Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapoor, Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. Puri has an impressive voice and his command over Hindi and Urdu is indeed laudable.
Puri was highly acclaimed for his ground-breaking performances - as Jimmy's manager in Disco Dancer, a victimized tribal in Aakrosh (a film in which he spoke not a single line of dialoge), leader of a cell of Punjabi terrorists in Maachis and a police inspector in Ardh Satya, where he revolts against life-long social, cultural and later political persecution. Puri has worked with great Indian directors like Shyam Benegal, Gulzar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Govind Nihalani. Puri also had a shockingly emotional cameo in the international blockbuster and highly acclaimed film Gandhi (1982, directed by Richard Attenborough), based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
Om Puri receiving the OBE medal from British Deputy High Commissioner Ian Hughes in Mumbai.
In the 1990s, Puri diversified to play different roles in mainstream Hindi cinema, where his roles are more tuned to mass audiences than film critics. Puri's versatility remains an essential characteristic of his acting skill.
He has also worked in a Hindi TV serial Kakkaji Kaheen which was a parody on politicians.
Awards
Puri has won a few of the prestigious National Awards, and the popular Filmfare Awards for his performances. In July, 2004, he was awarded an honorary OBE for his performances in English movies as well.
Select filmography
Rang De Basanti (2006)
Kisna (2005)
The Parole Officer (2001)
The Mystic Masseur (2001)
East is East (1999)
Such a Long Journey (1998)
My Son the Fanatic (1997)
Maachis (1996)
In Custody(1993)
City of Joy (1992)
Sam & Me (1991)
The Jewel in the Crown (1984) (TV)
Ardh Satya (1983)
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron (1983)
Disco Dancer (1982)
Gandhi (1982)
Aakrosh (1980)
