From peers like Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi to his young co-stars Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar, condolences poured in from Bollywood for veteran actor Om Puri, who passed away today following a massive heart attack.
The actor, known for his unforgettable performances in cinema classics like “Ardh Satya”, “Aakrosh” and “City of Joy”, “Bhumika” and “”Mirch Masala”, died at his residence at the age of 66.
Hailing him as an “exceptional talent”, Bachchan condoled the death of his friend saying he is in grief after hearing the news.
“Shocked to learn of OM PURI Ji’s passing just now.. a dear friend a lovable colleague and an exceptional talent ..
in grief!” Bachchan, who collaborated with Puri in “Ghatak”, “Dev”, “Baabul”, “Kyun ! Ho Gaya Na” and “Lakshya”.
Azmi, Puri’s co-star in films like “Muhafiz”, “Dharavi”, “Antarnaad”, “Disha”, “Sparsh” and “Mandi, tweeted, “Om Puri! You have left us all too early.. I am so so sorry.. The fun the laughter the arguments so vividly etched in my mind.. Will miss you.”
When contacted, an emotional Shyam Benegal, who directed Puri in several films like “Antarnaad”, “Mandi”, “Kalyug” and “Bhumika”, said it is difficult for him to talk as he is still processing the news.
Fondly remembering the times he spent with Puri during the shoot of “Don 2” in Berlin, Shah Rukh tweeted, “Gods garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best. Will miss your laughter over the shared brandy in Berlin. Will miss you lots Omji. RIP.”
Akshay, who worked with Puri in films like “Aan: Men at Work”, “Hera Pheri”, “Awara Paagal Deewana” and “OMG – Oh My God!”, tweeted, “Sad to hear about the passing away of the very talented Om Puri, my co-actor in many films…heartfelt condolences to the family. #RIP.”
Puri’s “Chachi 420” co-actor expressed his grief, tweeting, “So long Omji. Prided myself on being his friend peer & admirer. Who dare say my Om Puri is no more? He lives through his work.”
Actor Anupam Kher said the actor’s death came as a shock to him.
“Seeing him lying on his bed looking so calm can’t believe that one of our greatest actors #OmPuri is no more. Deeply saddened and shocked.”
Veteran scriptwriter-lyricist Javed Akhtar said Puri was not only a great actor but also a brilliant human being.
“It’s really a great loss. Wonderful person, great actor and with such impressive body of work right from Satyajit Ray to any commercial Hindi film to films in US and Pakistan. He played all kind of roles.
“Om Puri will be missed as a friend. It’s a bit shocking at the moment and I’m feeling a bit numb. In the moment all of us are taken aback.”
Mahesh Bhatt said, “Goodbye Om! A part of me goes with you today. How can I ever forget those passionate nights we spent together talking about cinema and life.”
Director Karan Johar said in Puri’s death cinema had lost a brilliant artist.
“Solid actor….Solid filmography….immense talent….
#RIPOmPuri ….cinema has truly lost a brilliant artist,” Johar tweeted.
Priyanka Chopra, posted, “The end of an era… The legacy lives on.. RIP #OmPuri.”
Puri’s long-time film industry colleague and friend Satish Kaushik, said, “Puri’s death is very shocking and unbelievable.
We have lost a friend, a great actor who has been revolutionary in his performances.”
“#OmPuri’s talent and versatility has brought so many characters to life. An inspiration to many actors. May his soul rest in peace,” actress Anushka Sharma tweeted.
Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra said, “With OmPuri’s passing we have lost 1 of the great Indian Actors of All time: charismatic, brilliant and technically perfect. And please remember: A star!”
Shoojit Sircar, tweeted, “RIP Om puri… interactions with you were always full of life.. you were one of the finest artists we are proud of.
Madhur Bhandarkar, wrote, “Shocked to know that the immensely talented actor #OmPuri passed away. Big loss to our film industry. RIPWhile, Riteish Deshmukh, posted, “Shocked beyond words to learn that #OmPuri ji is no more. Will miss you sir.Condolences to the family. RIP #HugeLoss.
