On the occasion of Om Puri’s birth anniversary, we remember the legendary actor and his deep journey through Indian cinema. His life, full of ups and downs, not only shaped him as an individual but also influenced his choice of films and acting career. In a candid conversation with a journalist back in 2016, Om Puri reflected on his journey, sharing poignant memories from his childhood, his days at the National School of Drama (NSD), and his remarkable experience in the world of cinema. His storytelling left an impression, painting vivid images of his life’s struggles and triumphs.
The Childhood of Om Puri: A Life Marked by Hardships
Born into a modest family, Om Puri’s early years were far from glamorous. He recalls his first vivid memory as a two-and-a-half-year-old, tied to a cot due to a smallpox outbreak. This practice was to stop him from scratching the painful pustules that had covered his body.
One incident, in particular, stayed with him — catching a baby parrot, building a small brick house for it, and then finding the bird dead when stray dogs destroyed its shelter. The experience left him heartbroken as a child, one of the many life lessons that would go on to shape his emotional depth as an actor.
His family’s financial troubles intensified when Om Puri’s father, who worked in the railway store, was falsely accused of theft. Om Puri remembers the day his father was jailed for a crime he did not commit. Despite his mother’s pleas, the family was forced to vacate their railway quarters. This marked the beginning of one of the most difficult periods in their lives.
Om Puri’s mother, deeply religious and superstitious, struggled with the concept of untouchability. Her fear of impurity led to numerous instances where she would make young Om bathe if he interacted with anyone she considered ‘unclean’. At the peak of their financial crisis, Om Puri’s mother sent him to work at a tea stall, where his only task was to wash glasses. It was a dangerous job for a child, but it was necessary for survival.
National School of Drama: A New Beginning
Om Puri’s love for acting eventually led him to the National School of Drama (NSD), where he received formal training. Despite his hardships, his focus remained on his passion. At NSD, Om Puri was surrounded by legends like Naseeruddin Shah, who was his classmate. However, even after completing his three-year course at NSD, he was met with uncertainty. “Darkness,” as he described it, loomed over him, as he struggled to make a mark in the film industry.
The World of Parallel Cinema
During the 1970s and 1980s, India saw a rise in what is commonly known as ‘art cinema’ or ‘parallel cinema.’ Filmmakers like Shyam Benegal, Mrinal Sen, and Govind Nihalani made movies that were deeply rooted in reality and focused on the socio-political landscape of the country. Om Puri, with his raw, unconventional looks and immense talent, was a perfect fit for this genre. However, he knew well that mainstream commercial cinema would never accept him. His smallpox-scarred face and slim build did not fit the traditional image of a Bollywood hero.
Yet, Om Puri embraced art cinema and made his mark in critically acclaimed films like Aakrosh, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, and Ardh Satya. Despite earning a name for himself, he candidly admitted that art films didn’t pay well. For instance, he earned only Rs 5,000 for Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Rs 9,000 for Aakrosh, and Rs 25,000 for Ardh Satya. While these roles brought him fame, they did not bring financial security.
The Iconic ‘Ardh Satya’ and Amitabh Bachchan
One of Om Puri’s most iconic roles was in the 1983 film Ardh Satya. Directed by Govind Nihalani, the film portrayed the harsh realities faced by an honest police officer battling against a corrupt system. The film received critical acclaim, and Om Puri’s portrayal of the protagonist earned him immense praise.
Interestingly, in one of his interviews, Om Puri revealed a lesser-known story about how Ardh Satya almost went to Amitabh Bachchan. He jokingly told Amitabh, “It’s good that you didn’t do Ardh Satya,” to which Amitabh smiled. The film became a defining moment in Om Puri’s career and marked his place as one of the finest actors of Indian cinema.
Om Puri’s Foray into Commercial Cinema
Although Om Puri was deeply involved in parallel cinema, he realized that he needed to venture into commercial cinema to secure his financial future. Unlike many other actors, Om Puri never shied away from taking on roles in mainstream Bollywood films. From playing comedic characters to villainous roles, he did it all with grace and dedication.
In his own words, he was not interested in material possessions like a Mercedes or a bungalow, but he knew he needed to balance art and commerce to survive in the industry. And so, Om Puri seamlessly transitioned between offbeat and commercial films, becoming a versatile actor loved by both critics and audiences.
The Lasting Legacy of Om Puri
Om Puri’s journey from his difficult childhood to becoming a celebrated actor is nothing short of inspirational. His ability to embody every character, whether in a small-budget art film or a big-budget commercial hit, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Beyond his acting skills, his humility and ability to connect with people made him a beloved figure in the industry.
As we remember Om Puri on his birth anniversary, his legacy continues to live on in the films he left behind. His contribution to Indian cinema, particularly in bringing socially relevant stories to life, is unparalleled. Om Puri may have left us physically, but his spirit and his body of work remain immortal.
