Nandita C. Puri - Om Puri: Unlikely Hero

About the book

Unlikely Hero offers an exclusive glimpse into Om Puris private life, his struggles and anxieties, and the woes of his heart. Discover the Om Puri no one knows about - the tongue-tied actor from Punjab with stars in his eyes; the incorrigible flirt in drama school; the connoisseur of food and expert cook; and the complete family man.

Featuring amusing anecdotes with his family, shocking episodes with the stalwarts of Indian and British cinema, and the nail-biting suspense of his love life, the tale is complemented by rare and unusual photographs. Told with wit, honesty, and elan, this book is a fitting tribute to the inspirational tale of Om Puri - one of the most talented actors of India.

The late Patrick Swayze, Om Puris co-actor in City of Joy, recounts the impact Om had on his life, while notable film critic Derek Malcolm talks about Oms immense talent and vast repertoire. Naseeruddin Shah fondly remembers his friendship with Om that began at the National School of Drama and Oms rise in the national and international film industry.

ROLI BOOKS

This digital edition published in 2015

First published in 2009 by
The Lotus Collection
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Copyright Text and photographs: Nandita C. Puri, 2009

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eISBN: 978-93-5194-075-3

Front Cover Image: Jagdish Mali
Cover Design: Supriya Saran

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Contents

Foreword

I first met Om Puri during City of Joy in 1991 in Calcutta where we spent a lot of time, especially with me listening to him. it was an amazing experience for me as he was truly an Indian version of myfather. they have incredibly similar looks.

What also drew me to him was his silent strength and power. I listened to his life stories and in many ways our life became mirrored in the film. We learned a great deal from each other. We both have overcome incredible odds. Both of us have gone through in life what most people dont know. therefore, I am so happy that now his story will be told and I am looking forward to reading it.

In City of Joy , Om was my pied piper who helped me understand India in every way. As an actor he has such diversity and depth. You look into his eyes and you read volumes that is the kind of power he has as an actor. this intensity makes him the master of mystical roles, which he excels in. Oms entire journey can be read in his face and he adds a layer of credibility and passion to every role he essays. Whether people casting in Hollywood knew it or not, they were casting a real human being, not merely an actor. He embodies the idea that true heroism lies in the quality of how you survive your daily struggle. to me he is my true guru.

I always make sure I research on those I work with. so I did an Om Puri film festival back then before embarking on City of Joy . I was moved by his role in Satyajit rays film, Sadgati and some others. so when it came up for Om to do Hasari Pal, it made complete sense.

In the process, Om taught me to move through the world with the dignity we all possess. I know I sound esoteric while talking about this man, but City of Joy truly changed my life. I came back to my country with a sense of shame of the bubble we live in and made a commitment to be like Om.

All you have to do is look at Oms face. He is a man who has been beaten up. You can see old scores in his eyes and you want to know more about this man the moment you look into his eyes. this sensitivity is counterpointed with wisdom and that is Om Puri to me.

He has an incredible sense of humour. the twinkle in his eyes lights up your life and this subtle sense of humour on screen is a very rare gift for an actor. this Om did in City of Joy and I am sure in many other films. it makes the performance layered. And I also got to find out what a good dancer Om was when we all had a couple of Indian beers. it evoked a lot of laughter.

I think I have done a great deal of talking about his strengths. I dont think I saw a weakness. this man was Hasari Pal. He became his role. I dont think there was ever a false moment I could detect as it wasnt there. We had such a compatible connection as friends.

The thing I was most amazed about Om was that he has lived a life that could have produced a bit of rage but he somehow transformed it into a great deal of love. it exudes from him and it is contagious. And that perhaps is the reason he became the big brother I never had in my real life. We did not act in the film, but continued our dialogue and it just happened to be the dialogue in the film!

The biggest thing I found working with Om as an actor is that he gives all of himself and with no fear, no defence, no justification. And that is remarkable in an actor. Hasari Pal is the core of City of Joy and I felt he deserved at least a nomination at the Academy Awards.

City of Joy is truly the story of Hasari Pal where the character is seen through the Western eyes of Max Lowe. And it is really how it went. the first day when I was working in Mother teresas home for the dying, I realized that I was the one to be truly pitied, not the dying. Because I got so much from life and did so little with it. And Om helped me in this endeavour of mine.

Patrick swayze
New York, USA

In Appreciation

I n the fledgling days of his movie career, Om Prakash Puri, Padmashree, OBe (to use his full name and honorifics), was struck by severe doubts over whether he would be confused with and perhaps lose his identity to Om shivpuri, former theatre doyen and unremarkable character actor in countless Hindi films. so our Om considered adopting a pseudonym! My two suggestions, Vinamra Kumar and Antim Khanna were rather impatiently turned down.

Then the time came for the hard decision. Prakash was out for obvious reasons. Despite good old Amrish still being very much around, the Puri could possibly pass. And so Om sweet Om had to change. trivia addicts will be delighted to learn that in one or two of his first films he was actually billed as Vilom Puri and Azdak Puri, both names he considered and then wisely discarded, finally deciding that the one his parents thought up was indeed the best. And damn, he was right.

This anecdote cries out for a punch line and here it is. true in every detail. shortly after Om had been accumulating the success and regard that had long been his due, Mrinal sen shooting at a studio in Mumbai received a call from Om asking to meet. A request Mr sen happily granted until embarrassingly, Mr shivpuri showed up instead! Om Puri and Om shivpuri only time will decide which one of them posterity will remember. But I think it is a foregone conclusion.