The Inspiring Biography of Om Puri: From Picking Coal to the BAFTA Red Carpet!

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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Salman doesn’t enjoy watching Tubelight's teaser and song! Know why?

This year the movie industry lost one of the most versatile actors - Om Puri. As an actor, Om Puri's last movie was Kabir Khan's Tubelight. One of the main highlights of the movie has to be Om Puri dancing in the film's 'Radio' song. Salman had posted about the loss and expressed his grief. He had written, "So sad. Lost one of the most iconic Actors, RIP Om Puri ji."

Currently, at the trailer launch of Tubelight, Salman was questioned about Om Puri ji and his reply will surely leave you teary-eyed. He told, "Whenever I see the teaser and the song, I see him and it kills me. I don’t enjoy watching the teaser and the song because I see him. One moment, he was there and then he was no more. This is my reaction to Tubelight’s teaser and Radio song."

In a previously interview, Kabir Khan while speaking about Om Puri's character, "He is a very talented actor who can play any kind of role. We were glad to have him on board for Tubelight. He has a good, positive role. It's not a cameo like 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan. He had already shot for his part. We will miss him, his warmth." 

Salman Khan is upset due to loss of 3 close people in film fraternity!

Salman Khan now launched the first trailer of his much anticipated movie Tubelight. The film has created a lot of buzz ever since the first teaser and the posters of the it released.

Amongst the excitement for the trailer and the film, Salman Khan seems to have been mighty saddened with the demise of three gifted stars of Bollywood - Vinod Khanna, Om Puri and Reema Lagoo.

While Om Puri passed away after suffering a heart attack in February 2017, Vinod Khanna breathed his last on April 28, 2017 after prolong illness. Reema Lagoo's demise shocked the industry people last week.

Captivatingly, Salman shared a very close bond with all the three stars. He has worked the most with all of them and it was but natural of him to be upset about this.

Currently, at the trailer launch of Tubelight, when Salman was asked about it, he told, "VK (Vinod Khanna) was an amazing person. He was our hero When I was shooting in Reeva, I came to know about Reema Lagoo ji's demise. It is sad I have lost three very close people in the last three four months."

He further added, "Whenever I see the teaser and the song, I see him and it kills me. I don’t enjoy watching the teaser and the song because I see him. One moment, he was there and then he was no more. This is my reaction to Tubelight’s teaser and Radio song."

Shabana Azmi helped to avoid any awkward situation between late Om Puri’s wives!

Shabana Azmi and Om Puri have starred in many movies together and share a beautiful friendship bond. 

Regrettably, Om Puri passed away on January 6. Azmi was deeply sad by her friend's death and told, "I did 14 films with Om and am deeply, deeply saddened by his death."

The good pal that Shabana is, she avoided an awkward encounter from taking place between Puri's wives - Nandita and Seema, according to a famous daily. The two had showed up at his home after his death. 

A friend of Om's revealed the tabloid, "Shabana made sure that there was no unpleasantness. She personally guided Seemaji inside to see Om’s body when Seemaji arrived, thereby avoiding all awkwardness in the situation."

Shabana specified to the tabloid, "I did what was the need of the hour. It was only fair that both Nandita and Seema be treated with respect at the venue of the tragedy after Om’s death. Both women conducted themselves with great dignity." 

Om Puri's demise is a very sad moment for the film industry, says Sonakshi Sinha!

Beautiful actress Sonakshi Sinha called veteran actor Om Puri's demise a big loss for the film industry. 

"It is a big loss for the film industry. Undoubtedly, his contribution is enormous to Hindi cinema. Om Puriji was a very good person too. It is a very very sad moment for us," she said media on Saturday at a show on bodybuilding and fitness, hyped as Asia's largest. 

On fitness, Sonakshi told, "Fitness has a huge impact on my life since the last year. More power to fitness and fit people." 

"Our life has become too stressful so it is very important to stay fit. I've done two action films back to back. I became fitter while doing these films. I am happy that I took a step ahead in fitness due to these films. Though my next film isn't an action movie but I look forward to doing action films in future." 

Helmed by Sunhil Sippy, her next movie "Noor" features Sonakshi Sinha in the lead titular role. The movie is based on Pakistani author Saba Imtiaz's novel "Karachi, You're Killing Me!" and follows a Pakistani journalist-writer Noor's misadventures and love life. 

The movie is slated for a worldwide release on April 21.

Salman shares a photo with late Om Puri during shooting of film Tubelight!

Hindi Film Industry lost an iconic star yesterday as Om Puri breathed his last. The veteran actor, who was 66 years old, suffered a massive heart attack and was cremated last night.

As soon as the news of Om Puri's death spread, industry insiders rushed to his residence to offer their condolences. But there was one actor, who couldn't make it to the funeral and yet was upset on learning about the tragedy. It is none other than Salman Khan.

Salman, who was shooting for Bigg Boss in Lonavala was stunned with the news and seemingly, tried to wrap up the shoot as soon as he could. Khan also posted a picture with Om Puri from the sets of Tubelight with a caption that read, "So sad. Lost one of the most iconic Actors, RIP Om Puri ji."

Tubelight director Kabir Khan too couldn't control his feelings. He opened up about his experience of working with Om Puri in Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Tubelight. "It was a pleasant experience and I was happy to have him back in Tubelight. It's another endearing role and much longer. We've finished most of his portions. There's just one scene left which we were to shoot on January 8. When I go back to the sets, we'll celebrate Omji's life. He used to joke that if I didn't take him in all my films now, he would break my leg. I'll remember those moments."

Bollywood mourns over sad demise of veteran actor Om Puri!

Resourceful and talented actor Om Puri passed away earlier in the day today following a massive cardiac arrest. 

As soon as the sad news spread on social media, many Bollywood celebs mourned his demise and posted their condolences on Twitter.

Read what celebrities posted: 

Madhuri Dixit: Saddened to hear that the fabulous actor #OmPuriji passed away. Loved him in Ardh Satya many more. RIP

Preity Zinta: Sad to hear about the passing of  the massively talented Om Puri. May god give peace to his soul & strength to his family #RIPOmPuri

Riteish Deshmukh: Shocked beyond words to learn that #OmPuri ji is no more. Will miss you sir. Condolences to the family. RIP #HugeLoss

Karan Johar: Solid actor....Solid filmography....immense talent.... #RIPOmPuri ....cinema has truly lost a brilliant artist....

Manoj Bajpayee: completely shocked to hear that om puri ji is no more.may his soul be blessed with peace!it will take long to come to terms with his demise!

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.

Madhur Bhandarkar: Shocked to know that the immensely talented actor #OmPuri passed away. Big loss to our film industry. RIP

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 ?

Boman Irani: RIP Om Puri. We have lost one of our finest. A talent, A Voice, A Spirit. Will miss you Puri Saab.

Rajkummar Rao: RIP Om sir 1 of d most versatile & brilliant actor ever. I'm fortunate tht I cld spend some w'ful time wid him talking abt acting & life.

Rishi Kapoor: R I P. Will miss you Om!

R. Madhavan: Oh God . RIP Om Ji.. thank you for all the valuable life and acting lessons. Will never forget our attempts at Tennis in the early mornings.

Sonu Sood: Om ji,u were the finest. Will miss u always.Thank u so much for giving me n the entire world such fond memories..love u sir. #RipOmpuri sir

Veteran well-known actor Om Puri passes away due to a cardiac arrest!

Bollywood actor Om Puri suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away early in the morning today. He was 66 years old.

Filmmaker and social activist Ashoke Pandit shared the sad news on Twitter and offered his condolences. "Sad & shocked to know that versatile actor Om Puri jee has expired due to heart attack early morning today. #RIP."

Om Puri is best remembered for his roles in movies like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, OMG: Oh My God, Agneepath, Don 2, Dabangg, Kurbaan, Aakrosh, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Ghayal, Hera Pheri, Singh Is King, Chachi 420, Gupt, Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha among countless others.

Our condolences to gifted veteran actor Om Puriji. 

Bollywood voices for 'The Jungle Book' in Hindi!

Disney film The Jungle Book, based on the writings of Rudyard Kipling, is easily one of the most awaited movies this year and the Indian version of the movie will surely be a hit with kids and adults alike as the makers of the film have roped in talent powerhouses for the Hindi version of the movie.

In the original movie, Scarlett Johansson had lent her voice to Kaa, the python and in the Hindi version; it will be none other than Priyanka Chopra, who will mesmerize Mowgli with her sexy voice. Readers may recall that in the recent past, Priyanka had also lent her voice to the character Ishani in Disney's Planes.

Irrfan, popular for his versatile roles in Piku, Life in a Metro, The Namesake, The Lunchbox and The Amazing Spiderman, will lend his voice to the friendly bear Baloo, which is dubbed by Bill Murray in the international version.

Furthermore, veteran actor Om Puri, who has been often honored for his performances in India and abroad, will lend his voice to Bagheera, the Black Panther, which is dubbed by legendary actor Ben Kingsley in the international version.

The studio has also approached powerful performer Nana Patekar, who lately wowed critics and viewers with his riveting performance in Natsamrat, to once again lend his voice to Shere Khan, a character voiced by Idris Elba in the international version. Back in the early 90s, Nana had dubbed for the fearsome Bengal tiger in the animated series Jungle Book: The Adventures of Mowgli that was aired on Doordarshan.

''The Jungle Book is so very special to India, and we want our audience enjoy Disney's all-new live-action adaptation. We wanted nothing but the best for the Hindi version of the film. We are so excited to have such veterans and A list actors come together to voice and bring alive these beloved characters making it like a hi-scale Hindi film.'' tells Amrita Pandey, Vice-President - Studios, Disney India.

The Indian audience will get to watch The Jungle Book on April 8, a week before its US release.