While many actors are remembered for the characters they played, Om Puri is remembered for the reality he brought to the screen. With a voice that commanded attention and a face that mirrored the struggles of the common man, he became a global cinematic bridge between the East and the West.
If you are looking for the definitive guide to Om Puri’s
biography, exact birth details, and his legendary filmography, this article
covers the life of the man who changed the face of Indian cinema.
Om Puri Biography: The Early Years and Exact Birth
Details
Om Puri was born on October 18, 1950, in Ambala,
Haryana, into a Punjabi family. His journey to stardom was far from easy.
Growing up in a household with limited means, a young Om worked as a child
laborer in a tea stall and even collected coal from rail tracks to help his
family survive.
Despite these hardships, his passion for the arts led him to
the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, where he graduated in
1973. He later polished his skills at the Film and Television Institute of
India (FTII) in Pune. It was here that he forged a lifelong bond with
fellow actor Naseeruddin Shah, a partnership that would later define the
"Parallel Cinema" movement.
Core Biography Stats
- Full
Name: Om Prakash Puri
- Date
of Birth: October 18, 1950
- Date
of Death: January 6, 2017 (Mumbai)
- Birthplace:
Ambala, Haryana, India
- Education:
Graduate of NSD (New Delhi) and FTII (Pune)
- Spouse:
Seema Kapoor (m. 1991; div. 1991), Nandita Puri (m. 1993; div. 2013)
The Rise of a Legend: Career Milestones
Om Puri did not fit the traditional "chocolate
boy" image of Bollywood. Instead, his pock-marked face and intense eyes
made him the perfect vessel for gritty, realistic storytelling.
The "New Wave" Era (1980s)
He became the face of Parallel Cinema, working with
directors like Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani.
- Aakrosh
(1980): His portrayal of a silent, oppressed tribal man earned him his
first Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.
- Ardh
Satya (1983): Widely considered his greatest work, his role as
Inspector Anant Velankar won him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
Om Puri Filmography: A Global Perspective
Om Puri was one of the few Indian actors who didn't just
"visit" Hollywood; he conquered it. His filmography is a testament to
his ability to play a wide range of ethnicities and social classes.
Iconic Indian Films
- Jaane
Bhi Do Yaaro (1983): A masterclass in satirical comedy.
- Mirch
Masala (1987): A powerful drama on resistance.
- Dharavi
(1992): Highlighting the struggles of the urban poor.
- Maachis
(1996): A deep dive into the unrest in Punjab.
- Hera
Pheri (2000) & Malamaal Weekly (2006): Proving his incredible
comic timing.
- Bajrangi
Bhaijaan (2015): A heartwarming role as a Maulana in Pakistan.
International & Hollywood Career
- City
of Joy (1992): Starring with Patrick Swayze.
- East
Is East (1999): His portrayal of George Khan earned him a BAFTA
nomination.
- The
Parole Officer (2001): A British comedy showcasing his versatility.
- Charlie
Wilson's War (2007): Working alongside Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.
- The
Hundred-Foot Journey (2014): A lead role opposite Helen Mirren.
Awards and International Honors
Om Puri’s contribution to the arts was recognized by
governments across the world:
- Padma
Shri (1990): India's fourth-highest civilian award.
- National
Film Awards: Two-time winner for Arohan and Ardh Satya.
- OBE
(2004): He was made an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British
Empire for his services to the British film industry.
- Soviet
Land Nehru Award: For his contribution to art and culture.
The Legacy in 2026
Even today, Om Puri’s influence is visible in the
performances of modern actors like Manoj Bajpayee and Pankaj Tripathi. In 2026,
his films continue to be a staple in film festivals and acting workshops
worldwide. He remains the ultimate example of how talent, grit, and a
distinctive voice can overcome any socio-economic barrier.
"I have no regrets. I have done what I wanted to do. I
have played the roles I wanted to play." — Om Puri
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