Om Puri born on October 18, 1950 is a highly regarded and renowned Indian actor. In the course of time, he is fast emerging as India’s first truly International star and the world seems to have woken up to Puri’s versatility.

He was born at Ambala, Haryana. For Om Puri (or Guddu, his childhood name) career in theatre began early in school at Sinnaur, near Patiala. His maiden venture was Zaildar by Kapoor Singh Ghuman. In college he did several plays. It was during that period that he met Harpal and Neena Tiwana at a prize distribution function. Later, he joined their theatrical group, Punjab Kala Manch, and worked with them for three years.

From Punjab Kala Manch he went to the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi, and thereafter to the Film Institute in Pune from where he graduated in 1976. For a year and a half, he taught at a studio. Then he floated his own theatre group, Majmah.

Puri was highly acclaimed for his ground-breaking performances’as a victimized tribal in Aakrosh in 1981, which won him recognition as an actor (with no dialogue), as a police Inspector in Ardh Satya in 1983, which established his reputation firmly, and as a leader of a cell of Punjabi terrorists in Maachis where he revolts against life-long social, cultural and political persecution. He has worked with great Indian directors like Shyam Benegal, Gulzar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Govind Nihalani. He also had a shockingly emotional cameo in the International blockbuster and acclaimed Gandhi film by Richard Attenborough in 1982.

He has worked in hundreds of Indian films and films produced in the United Kingdom and the United States. Om Puri heads West after success of East is East. Even as applause for his role as a boorish British Pakistani in ‘East is East’ pours in from across the globe. He is already halfway through two prestigious International projects-Roger Mitchell’s Parole officers and a Czech film, The Zoo Keeper.

He had to fight his way out of some of the most bitter and adverse circumstances in his quest for success. But he never compromised with art. He worked in many art movies with Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi and many others. He always stressed on the promotion of art in filmdom. Due to his regional sentiments, he worked in three Punjabi movies Pardesi, Long Da Lashkara and Baaghi.

In the 1990’s, Puri diversified to play different roles in mainstream Hindi cinema, where his roles are more tuned to mass audiences than film critics. Om Puri as an actor has often been the recipient of the prestigious National Award, and the popular Filmfare Awards.

In 2005, he was awarded an honorary OBE (Order of British Empire). Today, he is continuing his future as an actor and doing various roles and his latest comings are Deewane Huye Pagal, Rang De Basanti and Kyunki. From the silent, persecuted tribal in Govind Nihalani’s Aakrosh to the jailbird in Parole Officer for which, he has struggled a lot to achieve this success

Film Done By Om Puri

1975 Kalla Kalla Bachitko
1975 Chor Chor Chhupja
1976 Ghashiram Kotwall Ghashiram Marathi film based on play Ghashiram Kotwal
1977 Smothered Voices
1977 Bhumika
1977 Godhuli
1977 Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane Kannada film
1978 Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan Rajesh
1978 Bhookh Colonel
1979 Shaayad Nandlal
1979 Saanch Ko Aanch Nahin
1980 Sparsh Dubey
1980 Chann Pardesi Tulsi Punjabi film
1980 Bhavni Bhavai Maanav Bhagat
1980 Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai Madhu (mechanic)
1980 Aakrosh Lahanya Bhiku Won Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award
1981 Hari Hondal Bargadar : Share Cropper
1981 Kalyug Bhavani Pandey
1981 Shodh Surendra
1982 Gandhi Nahari
1982 Disco Dancer David Brown
1982 Waqt-Waqt Ki Baat
1982 Raaste Pyar Ke Suldev
1982 Vijeta Arvind
1982 Naseeb Ni Balihari Gujarati film
1983 Gumnaam Hai Koi
1983 Chokh Jadunath
1983 Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro Ahuja
1983 Arohan Hari Mondal Won, National Film Award for Best Actor
1983 Ardh Satya Anant Velankar Won, National Film Award for Best Actor Won, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Best Actor
1983 Mandi Ram Gopal
1983 Bekaraar
1983 Ashray
1984 Party Avinash
1984 Maati Maangey Khoon Durjan Singh
1984 Duniya Vasudev
1984 Shrant
1984 Raavan Samant (Staiton Master)
1984 Paar Ram Naresh
1984 Ram Ki Ganga Laalu / Lal Dandhwani
1984 Tarang Namdev
1984 Sheeshay Ka Ghar
1984 Giddh Bhashya
1985 Paththar Resham Singh
1985 Zamana Shyamlal
1985 Bahu Ki Awaaz Advocate Jaswant Srivastav
1985 Holi Principal Pandey
1985 Nasoor Dr Sunil
1985 Sanjhi Bhikhu
1985 Aghaat Trade Unionist
1985 Debshishu Poor Labourer
1986 Antaheen
1986 Genesis The weaver
1986 New Delhi Times Ajay Singh
1986 Long Da Lishkara Dittu Punjabi film
1987 Debshishu
1987 Mirch Masala Abu Mian
1987 Goraa
1987 Susman Ramulu
1987 Marte Dam Tak Daulat / D.K.
1988 Achanak
1988 Hum Farishte Nahin Gopi / Tala Master / Murlidhar
1988 Ek Hi Maqsad Dr. Ram Kumar Verma
1988 Puravrutham Raman Malayalam film
1989 Shagun
1989 Sava Ser Gehu
1989 Darshana
1989 Ilaaka Bheema (Raja’s Foster Father)
1990 Sankranti
1990 Kayedi
1990 Halaat
1990 Ghayal ACP Joe D’Souza Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
1990 Disha Parshuram ‘Pagal Parsa’ Sarpat
1991 Irada Shanker
1991 Sam & Me Chetan Parikh
1991 Narsimha Suraj Narayan Singh ‘Baapji’
1991 Meena Bazar
1991 Antarnaad
1992 Karm Yodha Sub-Inspector Patwardhan
1992 Raat Sharji Hindi film
1992 Current Velu
1992 City of Joy Hazari Pal English film
1992 Ankuram Parvez Hussain Telugu film
1992 Dharavi Rajkaran
1993 Aakanksha
1993 Maya Memsaab
1993 The Burning Season Rajiv Sharma
1993 Patang Mathura
1994 Ankuram Satyam
1994 In Custody Deven
1994 Wolf Dr. Vijay Alezias English film
1994 Drohkaal DCP Abhay Singh
1994 Purush
1994 Triyacharitra Billar
1995 Ek Ka Jawab Do
1995 Beparoa
1995 Zakhmi Sipahi Om Chaudhary
1995 Aatank Hi Aatank Sharad Joshi
1995 Brothers in Trouble Hussein Shah
1995 Target Rambharosa
1995 Tarpan Jassu
1995 Kartavya Ghulam Rasul
1996 PremGranth Baliram
1996 Krishna Minister Amar Prabhakar
1996 The Ghost and the Darkness Abdullah English film
1996 Maachis Sanatan Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
1996 Ghatak: Lethal Sachdev
1996 Ram Aur Shyam D.I.G. Suryapratap Thakur
1996 Talaashi Inspector Puri
1997 Zameer: The Awakening of a Soul Jaichand Marwah
1997 Gupt: The Hidden Truth Inspector Udham Singh Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
1997 My Son the Fanatic Parvez English film
1997 Bhai Advocate Satyaprakash
1997 Chachi 420 Banwari lal-Secy
1997 Mrityudand Rambaran Mahto
1997 Nirnayak Inspector Nanak
1997 Chupp Keshav Narang
1997 Aastha Amar
1998 Vinashak – Destroyer Inspector Khan
1998 Zor: Never Underestimate the Force Shah Alam
1998 Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha Inspector Khan Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
1998 Such a Long Journey Ghulam Mohamed English film
1998 China Gate Col. Krishnakant Puri Hindi film
1999 East Is East George Khan English film
Nominated, BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role
1999 A.K.47 Commissioner Yashwant Sinha Kannada film
1999 Khoobsurat Dilip Chaudhary
1999 Mon petit diable
2000 Dulhan hum le jayenge Bhola Nath
2000 Pukar Colonel Hussein
2000 Hey Ram Subhash Goel
2000 Hera Pheri Khadak Singh
2000 Kunwara Balraj Singh
2000 Kurukshetra Baburao Deshmukh
2000 Ghaath Ajay Pandey
2000 Zindagi Zindabad
2000 Bas Yaari Rakho Tom
2001 Farz ACP Arjun Singh
2001 Zahreela Arun Dev
2001 Gadar: Ek Prem Katha Narrator
2001 The Parole Officer George English film
2001 Happy Now’ Tin Man
2001 The Zookeeper the Vet English film
2001 The Mystic Masseur Ramlogan English film
2001 Indian Joginder Singh
2001 Deewaanapan Prakash Saxena – Suraj’s dad
2001 Bollywood Calling Subramaniam
2001 Is Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
2002 Pitaah Thakur Avadh Narayan Singh
2002 Maa Tujhhe Salaam Voice
2002 Kranti Col. Krishnakanth
2002 Ansh: The Deadly Part Bhagat Pandey
2002 Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai Dr. S. Puri
2002 Awara Paagal Deewana Ballu Bolbachan
2002 Shararat DCP Bhosle
2002 Chor Machaye Shor DCP Pandey
2002 Guru Mahaaguru Crocodile
2002 Ghaav: The Wound Inspector Gautam
2002 Dhruva Kannada film
2003 Aapko Pehle Bhi Kahin Dekha Hai Sam
2003 Kash Aap Hamare Hote Yashwant Raj Mankotia
2003 Ek Aur Ek Gyarah: By Hook or by Crook Narrator Uncredited
2003 Code 46 Bahkland English film
2003 Miss India: The Mystery Inspector Yograj
2003 Maqbool Inspector Pandit
2003 Chupke Se Qasim Khan Qayamat
2003 Kagaar: Life on the Edge Sub-Inspector Gokhale
2003 Dhoop Father Of Dead Military Man
2003 Pyaar Kiya Nahin Jaata Om Prakash Khurana
2004 Yuva Prosonjit Bhatacharya
2004 Aan: Men at Work Police Commissioner Khurana
2004 Dev Special Commissioner Tejinder Khosla
2004 Lakshya Subedar Maj. Pritam Singh
2004 Kyun! Ho Gaya Na… Mr. Khanna
2004 King of Bollywood Karan Kumar
2004 A. K. 47 Commissioner Yashwant Sinha
2004 Stop! Anand Mehra
2005 Zinda Dil
2005 Kisna: The Warrior Poet Jumman Miya
2005 Mumbai Xpress ACP S.P. Rao
2005 Mangal Pandey: The Rising Narrator
2005 Amar Joshi Shahid Ho Gaya Writer
2005 Kyon Ki Dr.Khurana
2005 Deewane Huye Paagal Mehboob / Scientist Khurana
2005 The Hangman Shiva Sathe
2006 Rang De Basanti Amanullah Khan
2006 Baghi Haakam Singh
2006 Malamaal Weekly Balwant ‘Balu’
2006 Chup Chup Ke Prabhat Singh Chauhan
2006 Baabul Balwant Kapoor
2006 Don: The Chase Begins Again CBI Officer Vishal Malik
2007 Khallas: The Beginning of End A.C.P. Akhlaq Khan
2007 Delhii Heights Timmy Kohli
2007 Panga Naa Lo Kartar Singh
2007 Fool & Final Father of Rahul / Raja
2007 Buddha Mar Gaya Vidyut Baba / Vidya
2007 Victoria No. 203 Rana
2007 Dhol Tripathi
2007 Dum Kaata Ranade / Aabu
2007 Charlie Wilson’s War Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq English film
2007 Shoot on Sight Junaid
2007 Welcome Narrator
2007 Dhol Inspector Om
2008 Yaariyan Jagpal Bir ‘J.B.’ Singh
2008 Lovesongs: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow Aftab Jaffrey
2008 Mere Baap Pehle Aap Madhav Mathur
2008 Kismat Konnection Sanjeev Gill
2008 Money Hai Toh Honey Hai Narrator
2008 Singh Is Kinng Rangeela
2008 Mukhbiir SP Intelligence — Rathod
2008 Maharathi ACP Gokhale
2009 Chal Chala Chal Omkar Nath
2009 Billu Sahukaar Daamchand
2009 Delhi-6 Madan Gopal Sharma
2009 Baabarr Daroga Chaturvedi
2009 London Dreams Arjun’s uncle
2009 Life Goes On Alok
2009 Kurbaan Bhaijaan
2009 Bolo Raam Inspector Indrajeet Singh Rathi
2010 Road to Sangam Mohammad Ali Kasuri
2010 Na Ghar Ke Na Ghaat Ke Sankata Prasad Tripathi
2010 Kushti Jiten Singh
2010 Dabangg Police Inspector
2010 West Is West George Khan English film
2010 Action Replayy Rai Bhahadur
2011 Teen Thay Bhai Chixie Gill
2011 Kucch Luv Jaisaa Madhu’s Father
2011 Love Express Khadak Singh Bakshi
2011 Bin Bulaye Baraati Sub Inspector Pralay Pratap Singh
2011 Khap Sarpanch
2011 Don 2: The King is Back CBI Officer Vishal Malik
2011 Society Kaam Se Gayi
2012 Agneepath Additional Commissioner Gaitonde
2012 Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya Chaudhary
2012 Chaar Din Ki Chandni Fatoor Singh
2012 Mere Dost Picture Abhi Baaki Hai Baig Saab – Writer
2012 Krishna Aur Kans Kans Voice
2012 Son of Flower Munshi Pyare Lal Suman
2012 The Reluctant Fundamentalist Abu
2012 Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal David
2012 OMG: Oh My God! Hanif Qureshi (Hanif Bhai)
2012 Chakravyuh Govind Suryavanshi
2013 Policegiri Commissioner
2013 Jatt Boys Putt Jattan De Jora Vailly Punjabi film
2013 Bhaji in Problem Punjabi film
2013 The Lovers Uncredited
2014 Heartless Dr. Sanjay Trehan
2014 Bazaar E Husn Kishan Chand
2014 The Hundred-Foot Journey Papa Kadam English
2014 Aa Gaye Munde U.K. De Daleep Singh Dhillon
2014 Little Terrors Abdul-Wadood Kamil
2014 Chaar Sahibzaade Narrator Punjabi film Voice
2015 Jai Jawaan Jai Kisaan Dr. Rajendra Prasad Hindi
2015 Dirty Politics Laddu Babu aka Sai Kumar Konakandla Hindi
2015 Leather Life
2015 Jai Ho Democracy Pandeyji
2015 Uvaa Hukum Pratap Choudhary Hindi
2015 Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho Matang Singh Hindi
2015 Bajrangi Bhaijaan Moulana Sahab Hindi
2015 Welcome Back Narrator Voice
2015 Buniyaad Bapuji
2015 Hogaya Dimaagh Ka Dahi Mirza Kishan Singh Joseph
2015 Trafficker Supreme Court Judge
2016 Ghayal Once Again ACP Joe D’Souza Hindi
2016 A Million Rivers Shiv English
2016 Aadupuliyattam Muni Malayalam, dubbed in Tamil as Shenbaga Kottai and Telugu as Mathangi and Hindi as Mera Badla Nominated, IIFA Utsavam for Performance In A Supporting Role – Male
2016 Project Marathwada Tukaram
2016 Warrior Savitri Yamraj
2016 Actor In Law Rafaqat Mirza Pakistani film
2016 A Death in the Gunj O.P Bakshi
2016 Mirzya Munna (Lauhar)
2016 Gandhigiri Rai Saheb
2016 Yeh Hai Lollipop Masoom
2016 Chaar Sahibzaade: Rise of Banda Singh Bahadur Narrator
2016 Chapekar Brothers Bal Gangadhar Tilak Hindi
2016 The Jungle Book Bagheera Hindi dub Voice
2017 Viceroy’s House Ali Rahim Noor Posthumous release English
2017 The Ghazi Attack Admiral V.S. Nanda Posthumous release
2017 Tiger Posthumous release
2017 Tubelight Banne Chacha Posthumous release
2017 Mr. Kabaadi Channulal Surmewala Posthumous release
2018 Lashtam Pashtam Saleem Posthumous release
2018 Load Wedding Raja’s Father Posthumous release
2019 The Gandhi Murder T.G., Director General of Police Posthumous release
2020 Gul Makai General Kayani Posthumous release

Television Done By Om Puri

1981 Sadgati Dukhi Television film
1984 The Jewel in the Crown Mr De Souza British series
1985 Khandaan
1988 Bharat Ek Khoj Various characters
1988 Tamas Nathu Television film
1988–1989 Mr. Yogi Narrator
1988 Kakaji Kahin Kakaji
1993–1994 Kirdaar Various characters
1994 Woh Chokri Television film
1995 Aahat Season 1 (1995-2001) Episode 100-101 Jagte Raho Randhir magician 1 Episode
1997 Sea Hawks Uncle Sam1999 Antaral Shreevee
2001 CID Joe Santose 2 episodes
2002 White Teeth Samad Miah Iqbal British miniseries
2002–2003 Jasoos Vijay Presenter
2003 Second Generation Sharma Television film
2003 The Canterbury Tales Jetender British series

Awards and nominations Received By Om Puri

1981: Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for Aakrosh
1981: National Film Award for Best Actor (29th National Film Awards) for Arohan
1983: National Film Award for Best Actor (31st National Film Awards) for Ardh Satya
1984: Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Best Actor for Ardh Satya
1998: Brussels International Film Festival Best Actor for My Son the Fanatic
1990: Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award
1998: Grand Prix Special des Amériques Montréal World Film Festival for exceptional contribution to the cinematographic art
2004: Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to The British Film Industry
2009: Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award
2015: Lifetime Achievement Award International Film Festival of Prayag
2017: International Pakistan Prestige Awards Best Supporting Actor for Actor in Law
1990: Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for Ghayal
1997: Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for Maachis
1998: Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for Gupt: The Hidden Truth
1999: Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha
1999: BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for East Is East
2017: IIFA Utsavam for Performance In A Supporting Role – Male for Aadupuliyattam
2017: 16th Lux Style Awards Best Supporting Actor for Actor in Law