Om Puri Biography

Om Puri is the veteran Bollywood actor, who has established himself in both commercial cinema as well as art films. He has also done number of pivotal roles in American and British films. He was born on 18th October, 1950 at Ambala, Haryana. Right from his childhood, he was passionate about acting. He did his graduation from FTTI, Pune and post-graduation from National School of Drama, with the ace actor, Naseeruddin Shah being his batch-mate.

Several filmmakers recognized his acting potential in his early days, even then he was often rejected from being cast in films because of his unconventional looks. He didn't looked as handsome as hero, neither as cruel as villain nor as witty as a comedian. He used to work in theaters. Then finally in 1976, he grabbed a role in the film, 'Ghashiram Kotwal' based on a Marathi play with the same title, which marked his debut. He excelled in art films like 'Bhavni Bhavai', 'Sadgati', 'Mirch Masala' and 'Dharavi'; thereby working with the finest actors like Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil and Amrish Puri.

Along with the praiseworthy performances in the art films, this phenomenal actor has also done wonders in the world of commercial cinema. He did mainly the unconventional roles in the movies, such as a victimized tribal in 'Aakrosh' (1980), Jimmy's manager 'Disco Dancer', a police inspector in 'Ardh Satya', a Sikh militant in 'Maachis' and again being a stern police-man in 'Gupt'. He has been awarded twice with the National Award for Best Actor category.

Om Puri didn't only deliver outstanding pivotal serious roles, but also he carried off comedy with equal ease. He grinned with his perfect comic timing in the movies like, 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro' (1984), 'Chachi 420', 'Hera Pheri' (2000), Chor Machaaye Shor', 'Malamaal Weekly', 'Singh Is Kinng', 'Mere Baap Pehle Aap' and 'Billu'.Along with Hindi Cinema actor has also flourished in regional language cinemas of Punjabi, Telugu and Malayalam.

The talented actor embarked his name internationally giving superlative performance. He has acted in number of international projects, including, 'Jewel In The Crown', 'Gandhi', 'City Of Joy', 'Second Generation', 'White Teeth', 'My Son the Fanatic', 'East Is East', 'The Parole Officer', 'Charlie Wilson's War' and many more. He has been awarded with honorary OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his valuable contribution in the British Film Industry. He will be next seen in Steve Speilberg's, 'The Hundred Foot Journey'.

The ace actor has even left a mark in television with the TV serials like, comedy shows, 'Kakkaji Kaheen' (1988), 'Mr. Yogi', horror show, 'Aahat' Season 2 and hosting crime show, 'Savadhan India' Season 2. Also, he acted in the international TV shows like, 'The Jewel In The Crown' and 'Second Generation'.

Om Puri has been married twice, first to Seema Kapoor in 1990 and later they divorced. In the year 1993, he married Nandita Puri and has a son named, Ishaan.