If actors like Nawazuddin are stars, thank Om Puri: Satish Kaushik
January 06, 2017  18:57
image
Om Puri's greatest contribution lies in the fact that he convinced audiences and filmmakers with his performances to see an actor's talent beyond their face, believes his long-time film industry colleague and friend Satish Kaushik. 

"(Puri's death) is very shocking and unbelievable," said Kaushik, who knew Puri for nearly four decades, adding, "We have lost a friend, a great actor who has been revolutionary in his performances."

Kaushik, who has worked Puri in films and theatre and also co-wrote one of Puri's most memorable roles in "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron" said, "I have such great fascination for Om Puri as an actor."

Recalling one of his initial meetings with Puri during the play "Bichchoo" in 1979/80 when Prithvi Theatre had just opened and then working together in "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron", "Mandi" and lately "Jai Ho Democracy", Kaushik said, "He has been so inspiring. His performances have been milestones." 

"His greatest contribution has been that when a face like Om Puri was accepted, he actually set a trend, set a mark for actors today ... if actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui are big stars, thanks to Om Puri who convinced audiences with his performances both the audiences and the filmmakers that the talent is much more that you look in an actor. That is his greatest contribution," he told PTI.

"I knew Puri saahab very personally as I have seen his journey very closely because when I landed in Mumbai in 1979 a face like him was trying to get a foothold in the film industry.
« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES