In a massive shock to the entertainment industry, Bollywood’s one of the finest actor Om Puri, who gave countless memorable performances in movies of diverse genres, passed away at the age of 66 on Friday morning after a massive heart attack.
“He passed away this morning due to a massive heart attack at his residence in suburban Andheri. It’s shocking,” a family source said.
From Bollywood to Hollywood, from independent to art films, the noted actor, known for his versatility, gave several acclaimed performances.
Puri featured in several Indian, Pakistani, British and Hollywood mainstream commercial films.
He was awarded the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth highest civilian award, in 1990.
Born in Ambala, Haryana, in a Punjabi family, Puri graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. He was also an alumnus of the 1973 class of National School of Drama, where Naseeruddin Shah was a co-student.
Meanwhile, celebrities from all fraternities condoled the death of the actor:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The Prime Minister condoles the passing away of actor Om Puri & recalls his long career in theatre & films.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 6, 2017
Akshay Kumar
Sad to hear about the passing away of the very talented Om Puri, my co-actor in many films…heartfelt condolences to the family. #RIP
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 6, 2017
Anupam Kher
Seeing him lying on his bed looking so calm can’t believe that one of our greatest actors #OmPuri is no more. Deeply saddened & shocked.
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) January 6, 2017
I have known #OmPuri for d last 43yrs. For me he’ll always b a great actor, a kind & generous man. And that is how world shud remember him.
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) January 6, 2017
#OmPuri lent dignity to d medium he worked for. Whether it was stage, TV or cinema. He elevated status of the projects was associated with.
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) January 6, 2017
Mahesh Bhatt
Goodbye Om! A part of me goes with you today. How can I ever forget those passionate nights we spent together talking about cinema & life ?
— Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) January 6, 2017
Sunny Deol
Will miss you Omji ..will miss you..will miss you.#Ompuri
— Sunny Deol (@IAMSUNNYDEOL) January 6, 2017
Karan Johar
Solid actor….Solid filmography….immense talent…. #RIPOmPuri ….cinema has truly lost a brilliant artist….
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) January 6, 2017
Mohammad Kaif
My deepest condolences on the passing away of one of the most versatile actors of Indian Cinema , #OmPuri ji pic.twitter.com/hZN2pL6Ejo
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 6, 2017
Kabir Khan
Omji… I will miss that warm tight hug that you gave me every morning on set. Khudahafiz sir… you were the best!
— Kabir Khan (@kabirkhankk) January 6, 2017
Shoojit Sircar
RIP Om puri .. interactions with you were always full of life.. you were one of the finest artist we are proud of..
— Shoojit Sircar (@ShoojitSircar) January 6, 2017
Rajyavardhan Rathore
Shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden demise of veteran actor Om Puri. May his soul rest in peace. Strength to his family.
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) January 6, 2017
Arun Jaitley
Saddened by the demise of veteran actor Om Puri, his death is an irreparable loss to Indian cinema.May God render peace to the departed soul
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) January 6, 2017
Sonia Gandhi
Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi has condoled the sad demise of veteran actor Shri Om Puri.
— INC India (@INCIndia) January 6, 2017
He made his film debut in the 1976 Marathi film “Ghashiram Kotwal”.
Some of his most notable films include “Bhavni Bhavai”, “Sandgate, “Ardh Satya”, “Mirch Masala”, “Dharavi”, “Aakrosh”, “Ardh Satya”, “Maachis”, “Gupt”, “Dhoop”, “Yuva”, “Don”, “Agneepath”, “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and others.
He earned international fame in many British films, such as “My Son the Fanatic”, “East Is East”, “The Parole Officer” and others.
He also appeared in Hollywood films like “City of Joy”, “Wolf”, “The Ghost and the Darkness” among others.