Today marks the birth anniversary of late veteran actor Amrish Puri, an icon in Indian cinema. Renowned for his commanding presence and formidable acting prowess, Puri's villainous roles have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide, earning him admiration and affection.
Puri, fondly remembered for his iconic role as Mogambo in "Mr. India," also featured in notable films such as "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge," "Karan Arjun," "Koyla," and "Nayak."
On his birth anniversary, we delve into some lesser-known facets of his life that often escape the limelight.
1. Rejected for his looks
Born on June 22, 1932, in Punjab, Amrish Puri faced an early setback in his acting career. The son of S. Nihal Singh Puri and Ved Kaur, Puri had three brothers—Chaman Puri, Madan Puri, Harish Puri—and a sister, Chandrakanta. Aspiring to be an actor from a young age, Puri faced rejection at 22 due to his looks and voice. Despite this early disappointment, he eventually found his break at 40, becoming one of Indian cinema's most iconic villains.
2. Unique shoe sizes
Puri's on-screen height, often perceived as towering, belied his actual height of 5 feet 10 inches. Intriguingly, he wore different shoe sizes on each foot—size 11 on one and size 12 on the other. His designers had to make special arrangements to accommodate this unique requirement, contributing to his distinctive on-screen presence.
3. Insurance clerk to theatre artist
After his initial rejection from the film industry, Puri abandoned his Bollywood dreams and began working as a clerk at a government insurance company. It was during this period that he met the iconic theatre director and drama teacher Ebrahim Alkazi, who encouraged him to pursue theatre. This advice proved pivotal, leading Puri to the stage and eventually back to the screen.
4. Cousin of KL Saigal
Few are aware of Puri's connection to the legendary singer KL Saigal. Saigal’s mother was the sister of Puri's father, making the two first cousins. This familial link to one of India's musical greats adds another layer to Puri's illustrious legacy.
5. Hollywood stint
Puri's talents were not confined to Bollywood. He showcased his acting skills on the international stage, working with veteran filmmaker Steven Spielberg. Puri's portrayal of Mola Ram in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" earned him acclaim, with Spielberg naming him his favourite villain.
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