OM PURI

Biography : Om Puri is an Indian and British actor who is credited with exemplary acting work in mainstream cinema, Independent films and art films. Puri graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India. He is also an alumnus of the 1973 class of National School of Drama. He made his film debut in the 1976 Marathi film Ghashiram Kotwal, based on a Marathi play of the same name by Vijay Tendulkar. His work is highly aclaimed in parallel cinema or art films such as Bhavni Bhavai (1980), Aakrosh (1980), Sadgati (1981), Ardh Satya (1982), Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro(1983), Mirch Masala (1986) and Dharavi (1992). Ardha Satya gave him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He was later seen in movies like Maachis (1996), Gupt (1997) , Dhoop (2003)and essayed comic roles films like Chachi 420 (1997), Hera Pheri (2000), Chor Machaye Shor (2002) and Malamaal Weekly (2006). He has worked in Hindi television serials like Kakkaji Kaheen (1988) as a paan-chewing 'Kakkaji' and Mr. Yogi (1989) proving his versatility as a comedian. He received critical acclaim for Govind Nihalani's television film Tamas (1987). Puri had a cameo in the highly acclaimed film Gandhi (1982). His credits also include appearances in British and American films. He is the recipient of Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India.