Om Puri Biography: Age, Net Worth, Spouse, Height, Wiki, Parents, Death, Children, Awards, Movies

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Om Puri was an actor. He was one of India’s most distinguished actors, known for his diverse range of roles in both Indian and international cinema.

Born in Ambala, India, he rose to prominence through his compelling performances in parallel cinema, especially as a gritty police officer in Ardh Satya (1983).

His international work, such as East is East (1999) and City of Joy (1992), showcased his versatility across different genres and cultures.

Profile

• Full name: Om Rajesh Puri
• Date of birth: October 18, 1950
• Age (as of 2024): 74 years(deceased)
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Ambala, Haryana, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Profession: Actor
• Height: 5’7″ (170 cm)
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Nandita Puri (divorced)
• Children: Ishaan Puri
• Relationship status: Divorced
• Religion: Hindu
• Ethnicity: Punjabi
• Net worth: $20 million

Early Life and Education

Om Puri was born to a Punjabi Hindu family on October 18, 1950, in Ambala, Haryana.

His father worked in the military and the railways. Puri’s early life was marked by severe poverty due to his father’s imprisonment, which forced him to take odd jobs during his school years.

Despite these challenges, Om Puri pursued his education, completing his studies at the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi and later at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

At the NSD, he formed a lasting friendship with Naseeruddin Shah, who later became his colleague in the world of parallel cinema.

Puri’s education in acting began with theatre, and he graduated with a major in drama, laying the foundation for his illustrious career.

Personal Life

Om Puri married journalist Nandita Puri in 1993, and they had one son, Ishaan Puri. However, their relationship was turbulent.

In 2009, Nandita published a biography of Om Puri, Unlikely Hero, which revealed controversial details about his past relationships. This deeply strained their marriage, leading to their eventual separation.

Puri’s personal life was marked by ups and downs, including domestic abuse allegations and his public fallout with Nandita.

Towards the later years of his life, Puri lived separately from his wife, and they officially parted ways before his death.

Career

Om Puri’s career began in the late 1970s with his work in art-house films. His early performances in films like Aakrosh (1980) and Ardh Satya (1983) earned him critical acclaim and national recognition.

He also worked in mainstream Bollywood movies. However, his portrayal of complex, unconventional characters in films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) and Mirch Masala (1986) cemented his place as a serious actor.

Puri’s international career flourished in the 1990s with roles in British and Hollywood films such as My Son the Fanatic (1997), East is East (1999), and The Ghost and the Darkness (1996).

Awards

• National Film Award for Best Actor (for Arohan* and Ardh Satya)
• OBE (Order of the British Empire) (2004)

Net Worth

Om Puri’s net worth at the time of his death in 2017 was estimated to be around $20 million.

This wealth was accumulated from his work across Indian cinema, international films, and television and his role in producing and lending his voice to various projects.

Death

Om Puri passed away on January 6, 2017, at the age of 66, due to a heart attack.

His sudden death was a significant loss to the global film industry, and tributes poured in from colleagues and fans worldwide.

Controversy

Throughout his life, Om Puri was no stranger to controversy. One of the most significant scandals involved his comments during a televised debate following the Uri attacks in 2016, where he appeared to insult Indian soldiers by stating that no one forced them to join the army.

This remark caused public outrage, and a legal case was filed against him. Puri later apologized for the statement.

Another major controversy was his turbulent marriage with Nandita Puri, who accused him of domestic violence.

Their issues were widely publicized after the release of her biography, which disclosed his past relationships.

Puri also faced backlash for his comments on political issues, including his criticism of the beef ban in India and his sympathy for Naxals, whom he described as “fighters for rights,” further adding to his controversial public persona.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• Twitter: @omrajeshpuri

Filmography

• Aakrosh (1980)
• Ardh Satya (1983)
• Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983)
• East is East (1999)
• The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
• City of Joy (1992)
• Gandhigiri (2016)
• Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)

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