The sudden demise of legendary actor Om Puri has shocked and saddened the film industry. A realistic actor, he effortlessly portrayed every role with ease and put India on the international map. Many from the film industry describe his passing away as a loss to realistic cinema. They share their thoughts with Metrolife.
Alok Nath, actor
“It is very sad that we lost a gem of a person. He was struggling with his personal problems and took to drinking. You find no one to support you in this so-called friendly industry. He has been an inspiration for many of us and has contributed immensely to the film industry. He worked in both commercial cinema as well as parallel cinema. I joined the National School of Drama because of him and I have great respect for his craft. He will be missed.”
Anant nag, actor
“I met Om Puri for the first time on the sets of ‘Kalyug’ which was directed by Shyam Benegal and produced by Shashi Kapoor. I’ve never had an opportunity to work with him. But he was a very spontaneous and committed actor. He came across as a warm and friendly person. He has acted in some brilliant projects in almost all languages, including English. It is his versatility and capability that took him to great heights as a performer.”
Tara Sharma, actor and television host
“I was shocked and sad to hear about the passing away of the legendary actor Om Puriji. I was honoured to work with him in ‘Maharathi’, so apart from being a big fan of his work, I have had the privilege of having some lovely conversations with him too. He knew my father who was also fond of him. He was the first actor to have successfully worked in national and international films. I recently watched my friend Koko’s film, ‘A death in the Gunj’, in which Om Puriji has acted, and was also impressed by his work in ‘East is East’ and ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’. He will be missed but his legacy will live on.”
Sukhwinder Singh Singer
“He was a veteran and senior actor who ruled many hearts. He was an inspiration to many newcomers. I remember him greeting me with a warm hug every time we met. Not just me, but the entire industry will remember him as a legend. Losing Om Puri‘ji’ is a big loss. He shall be missed forever.”
Raveena Tandon, actor
“He may have had a serious image in movies but he was a very witty, humourous and warm person off screen. He would make everybody laugh. He would take care of people around him and always made sure his co-stars were comfortable. The legacy of films that he has left behind is extremely admirable. He was a really talented actor and his demise has left a big void. It’s a big loss to Indian cinema.”
Subhash Ghai, filmmaker
“It’s sad to hear about the passing away of a great actor, Om Puri at just 66. From an ordinary man to an extraordinary actor who made a name in international cinema, his inspirational journey will be remembered by generations to come. He was an amazing actor who read a scene and acted without any extra effort. That was his great quality. He was my friend since our FTII days and worked with me and ‘Mukta Arts’ for the movie ‘Kisna’. God bless his soul.
