Amrish Puri was a renowned Indian actor, best known for his iconic roles in Hindi and other Indian cinema. He was born on June 22, 1932, in Lahore, British India (now in Pakistan), and he passed away on January 12, 2005, in Mumbai, India. Amrish Puri’s powerful and distinctive voice, imposing presence, and remarkable acting talent made him one of the most memorable villains in the history of Indian cinema.
Picture: Social Media
Amrish Puri was born into a Punjabi family in Lahore, which was a part of British India at the time. His father, Lala Nihal Singh Puri, was a successful merchant. He had four siblings, including his elder brothers Madan Puri and Chaman Puri who also became a well-known actor in the Indian film industry.
Amrish Puri completed his early education in Shimla and later graduated from B. M. College in Shimla. Initially, he worked in the Employees State Insurance Corporation as a clerk for nearly 21 years. However, he didn’t pursue this career and chose to follow his passion for acting.
Picture: Social Media
Amrish Puri appeared in more than 450 films between 1967 and 2005, most of which were commercially successful, and was one of the most successful villains in the history of Hindi cinema.
Amrish Puri started his acting career in theater and made his film debut in the 1956 film “Bhai-Bhai” as a man teasing film’s protagonist Laxmi. He then appeared in several Hindi and Punjabi films, but his big break came with the 1980 Hindi film “Hum Paanch.”
Picture: Social Media
He predominantly worked in Hindi films, he had also appeared in Punjabi, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam and Marathi language films. Puri played some of most remembered villainous roles in Vidhaata (1982), Shakti (1982), Hero (1983), Meri Jung (1985), Nagina (1986), Mr. India (1987), Shahenshah (1988), Ram Lakhan (1989), Tridev (1990), Ghayal (1990), Saudagar (1991), Thalapathi (1991), Tahalka (1992), Damini (1993), Karan Arjun (1995), Kaalapani (1996), Jeet (1996), Koyla (1997), Baadshah (1999), Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001), and Nayak: The Real Hero (2001).
Amrish Puri’s performance of the main antagonist Mogambo from Shekhar Kapur’s Mr. India (1987) is considered as one of greatest villains of all time in Indian Cinema. His comic role in Chachi 420, that he acted alongside Kamal Hassan was well received by critics.
Picture: Social Media
Amrish Puri was a highly prolific actor; he also featured in positive supporting roles, of which he won 3 times Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actor. Some of his notable positive roles are Phool Aur Kaante (1991), Gardish (1993), Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), Ghatak (1996), Diljale (1996) Pardes (1997), Virasat (1997), China Gate (1998), Badal (2000), Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai (2001), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) and Hulchul (2004).
Amrish Puri Iconic Roles:
Amrish Puri was primarily known for his portrayals of antagonists, and he played some of the most memorable villainous characters in Bollywood. Some of his iconic roles include:
Mogambo in “Mr. India” (1987): His role as the evil genius Mogambo is one of his most iconic performances. The catchphrase “Mogambo khush hua” became synonymous with his character.
Bauji in “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995): While he was known for playing villains, he also showcased his versatility by portraying the strict but lovable Bauji in this romantic blockbuster.
Chaudhry Baldev Singh in “Karan Arjun” (1995): In this film, he played a positive role as the father of the titular characters, portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.
He is known to international audiences for his roles as the main antagonist Mola Ram in Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and as Gandhi’s Muslim employer and patron in South Africa in Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi (1982).
He was the first cousin of singer and actor K.l. Saigal.
Amrish Puri received numerous awards and accolades during his career, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Meri Jung” (1985). He was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sansui Viewers’ Choice Movie Awards in 1998.
Amrish Puri was a family man and was married to Urmila Diveker, with whom he had two children, Rajiv and Namrata Puri. His grandson Vardhan Puri started his acting career with the film Yeh Saali Aashiqui in 2019.
Amrish Puri left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with his powerful performances. His contribution to the film industry is celebrated, and his characters continue to be remembered and imitated by actors and fans alike.
Amrish Puri’s passing in 2005 was a significant loss to Indian cinema, but his legacy lives on through his extensive body of work and the impact he made in the world of entertainment. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema.
Filmography:
| 1956 | Bhai-Bhai | as one of men teasing Laxmi | |
| 1970 | Prem Puajri | Jerry, Henchman in church | |
| 1971 | Aahat – Ek Ajeeb Kahani | ||
| Reshma aur Shera | Rehmat Khan | ||
| Shuntata! Court Chalu Ahe | Marathi film | ||
| Hulchul | Public Prosecutor | ||
| 1973 | Sone Ke Haath | ||
| Hindustan Ki Kasam | |||
| 1975 | Salaakhein | Master | |
| Nishant | Anna, the eldest Zamindar | ||
| Daaku | |||
| 1976 | Manthan | Mishraji | |
| 1977 | Smothered Voices | ||
| Imaan Dharam | Dharam Dhayal | ||
| Bhumika | Vinayak Kale | ||
| Sat Sri Akal | Jalme singh | ||
| Rangaa Aur Raja | |||
| Paapi | Michael | Uncredited | |
| Gyaniji | |||
| Alibaba Marjina | Jabbar | ||
| 1978 | Kondura | Konduraswamy | |
| Hungama Bollywood Ishtyle | Jaggu Ustad | ||
| Bandie | Anand | ||
| 1979 | Hamare Tumhare | General manager | |
| Jaani Dushman | Man in Ghost train reading horror story | ||
| Sawan Ko Aane Do | Chandrika’s dad | ||
| Naiyya | |||
| Lakhan | |||
| 1980 | Chan Pardesi | Joginder Singh | |
| Aakrosh | Dusane, Public Prosecutor | ||
| Qurbani | Rakka | ||
| Gehraee | Tantric magician | ||
| Dostana | Balwant Singh | ||
| Hum Paanch | Veer Pratap Singh | ||
| Patthar Se Takkar | Dr. Anand | ||
| Maan Abhiman | Madhuraprasad Chowdhary | ||
| 1981 | Krodhi | Madhavan | |
| Kalyug | Kishan Chand | ||
| Naseeb | Don | ||
| Be- Shaque | Gopal | ||
| Nai Imarat | |||
| 1982 | Ek Aur Sangraam | ||
| Apna Bana Lo | Mr.Joshi | ||
| Ashanti | Raja Bhishm Bahadur Singh | ||
| Aadat Se Majboor | Agnihotri | (a.k.a. Johinder Singh) | |
| Shakti | J.K. Verma | ||
| Johny I Love You | Zalim Singh | ||
| Gandhi | Dada Abdullah Hajee Adab | ||
| Vidhata | Jagavar Chowdhary | ||
| Vijeta | Chief Instructor Varghese | ||
| Sugandh | |||
| Main Inteqaam Loonga | Goverdhan Das (GD) | ||
| 1983 | Nishaan | ||
| Andha Kanoon | Mr.Ram Gupta | ||
| Ardh Satya | Anant’s Father | ||
| Coolie | John D’Costa | ||
| Mandi | Darvish | ||
| Hero | Pasha | ||
| Haadsa | R.K. Chakravarty | ||
| Bekhabar | |||
| 1984 | Bhool | ||
| Aakhir | |||
| Mashaal | S.K.Vardhan | ||
| Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom | Mola Ram | Hollywood debut | |
| Insaaf Kaun Karega | Bhanupratap | ||
| Gangva | Special Appearance | ||
| Duniya | Balwant Singh Kalra | ||
| Jagir | Lakhan | ||
| Awaaz | Moolchand | ||
| Jhootha Sach | Kolga | ||
| Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki | Udaybhan Singh | ||
| Zakhmi sher | Swami Kashinath Singh | ||
| Yeh Desh | Dhulia | ||
| Party | Doctor | ||
| Bandh Honth | |||
| 1985 | Aaj Ke Sholey | Balbir Gupta | |
| Mohabbat | Choudhary | ||
| Zabardast | Balram Singh | ||
| Meri Jung | G.D. Thakral | Filmfare Best Supporting award | |
| Teri Meherbaniyan | Thakur Vijay Singh | ||
| Phaansi Ke Baad | Damodar Seth | ||
| Patthar dil | Rana Surajbhan Singh | ||
| Paisa Ye Paisa | Jugal | ||
| Karmayudh | Sohanlal Puri | ||
| Aghaat | Chakradev | ||
| 1986 | Pyar Ho Gaya | Sapna’s Father | |
| Kaanch Ki Deewar | Bhoop Singh | ||
| Aap Ke Sath | Persha | ||
| Sultanant | Razoulli Al-Jabber Al-Nasser | ||
| Janbaaz | Rana Vikram Singh | ||
| Begaana | A.P. Lall | ||
| Samundar | Raiszada Narsingh | ||
| Asli Naqli | Durjan Singh | ||
| Dosti Dushmani | |||
| Ek Aur sikandar | Sher Khan / Dilawar Khan | Dual Role | |
| Tamas | (mini TV series) | ||
| Ricky | |||
| Naseeb Apna Apna | |||
| Nagina | Baba Bhaironath | ||
| Mera Dharam | Thakur Digvijay Singh | ||
| Maa Ki Saugandh | |||
| On Wings of Fire | Nihavand ruler | ||
| 1987 | Khazana | Narrator | Uncredited |
| Loha | Sher ‘Shera’ Singh | ||
| Dadagiri | Bhanupratap | ||
| Madadgaar | Sunita’s Mama | ||
| Dance Dance | A.M.Singh | ||
| Mr. India | Mogambo | ||
| Hawalaat | Seth Dharam Das | ||
| Sadak Chhaap | Dharamdas, MP | ||
| Kaun Jeeta Kaun Haara | |||
| Param Dharam | Shamshera | ||
| Sher Shivaji | |||
| Jawab hum Denge | Dhanraj | ||
| Inaam Das HAzaar | Captain S.P. Singh | ||
| Dil Tujhko Diya | Mohla | ||
| Dance – Dance | Raja Bahadur A.M. Singh | ||
| Raj Kapoor (film) | Himself | ||
| 1988 | Bharat: Ek Khoj (TV Series) | Mohammed Raza Khan | Episode no-39 Company Bahadur, British East India Company |
| Hum Farishta Nahi | Pashrutam Das / Din Dayal | ||
| Shahenshah | J.K.Verma | Uncredited | |
| Khoon Bahaa Ganga Mein | |||
| Waaris | Dulla K. Singh | ||
| Mohabbat Ke Dushman | Shahbaaz Khan | ||
| Commando | Marcelloni | ||
| Rukhsat | Jagdish Chopra | ||
| Janam Janam | Yuvraj Thakur Balbir Singh | ||
| Dayavaan | Inspector Ratan Singh | ||
| Ganga Jamuna Saraswati | Thakur Hansaj Singh | ||
| Yateem | Dacoit Porkhiya | ||
| Saazish | Diwan | ||
| Mar Mitenge | Ajit Singh | ||
| Hamara Khandaan | Chandraprakash Singh (Vishal’s dad) | ||
| 1989 | Jurrat | Kama | |
| Mil Gayi Manzil Mujhe | |||
| Surya: An Awakening | Gangadhar Chowdhary | ||
| Do Qaidi | K.K | ||
| Farz Ki Jung | Jai Kishan (JK) | ||
| Ilaaka | Nagar | ||
| Daata | Gopal Das | ||
| Naa-Insafi | Billa | ||
| Tridev | Bhujang / Bhairav Singh | Nominated- filfare Best Supporting Actor Award | |
| Batwara | Hanumant Singh | ||
| Hisaab Khoon Ka | Ranvir Pushp | ||
| Jaadugar | Mahaprabhu Janak Sagar Jagat Narayan Chintamani | ||
| Aag Se Khelenge | Zakha | ||
| Tujhe Nahin Chhodunga | |||
| Ram Lakhan | Bhisambar Nath | ||
| Nigahen : Nagina Part II | Bhairon Nath | Voice, Uncredited | |
| Nafrat Ki Aandhi | Chandidas Khurana | ||
| Mujrim | Khan | ||
| Mera Farz | |||
| 1990 | Virodhi | Dacait Naag Singh | |
| Hatim Tai | Jaadugar Kamlaq | ||
| Naaka Bandi | Mangal Singh / Santhal | ||
| Ghayal | Balwant Rai | ||
| Aaj Ka Arjun | Thakur Bhupendra Singh | ||
| Doodh Ka Karz | Raghuvir Singh | Marathi Film | |
| Teeja | Jarahwar | ||
| Qayamat Ka Raaz | Shera | ||
| Mukaddar Ka Baadshah | Vikral Singh | ||
| Kishen Kanhaiyya | Lala Gendamal | ||
| Kaarnaama | |||
| Jeene do | Thakur Sher Bahadur Singh | ||
| 1991 | Trinetra | Singhania | |
| Mohabbat Pehli Nazar Mein | |||
| Jigarwaala | Dhurjan Singh | ||
| Iraada | |||
| Benaam Baadshah | Jaikal | ||
| Ajooba | Vazir-e-Ala (a.k.a. Vazir) | ||
| Saudagar | Chuniya | Nominated Filmfare Best villain Award | |
| Dharam Sankat | Jagira | ||
| Phool Aur Kante | Nageshwar “Don” | Nominated Filfare Best Supporting Actor Award | |
| Shikari: The Hunter | Nahar Singh | ||
| Numbri Aadmi | Rana | ||
| Mast Kalandar | Raja Sahab | ||
| Kohraam | |||
| 1992 | Suraj Ka Santva Ghoda | Mahesar Dalal | Sydney film Festival Best Actor Award, Singapore International film festival, Best Actor Award |
| Ramayana: the Legend of Lord Rama | Ravana | Voice over in Hindi-dub version | |
| I Love you | |||
| Vishwatma | Azghar Jurhad | ||
| Vansh | Vilasrao Chaudhary | ||
| Zindagi Ek Jua | Bhalla | ||
| Deewana | Dhirend (Ravi’s uncle) | ||
| Tahalka | General Dong | Nominated- Filmfare Best Villain Award | |
| Muskurahat | Gopichand Verma (Former Justice) | Nominated- Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award | |
| Time Machine | (Incomplete film) | ||
| 1993 | Divya Shakti | Tau (Mafia Don) | |
| Kundan | Thakur Shamsher Singh | ||
| Damini | Barrister Indrajit Chaddha (Scheming Lawyer) | Nominated- Filmfare Best Villain Award | |
| Gardish | Purushottam Sathe | Nominated- filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award | |
| Sangram | Raja’s father | ||
| 1994 | Elaan | Ramakant Chaudhry | |
| Maha Shaktishali | |||
| Pehla Pehla Pyaar | Hukam Singh | ||
| Droh Kaal | I.G.P Pathak | ||
| Tejasvini | Lala Khurana | ||
| Paramaatma | Chaudhry Rudranarayan | ||
| 1995 | Mohabatto Ka Safar | ||
| Karan Arjun | Thakur Durjan Singh | Nominated- filmfare Best Villain Award | |
| Jallad | Himself (special appearance) | ||
| Jai vikranta | Thakur Jaswant Singh | ||
| Maidan-e-Jung | Thakur Ranvir Singh ‘Daata Guru’ | ||
| Prem | Vanraja | ||
| Hulchul | Shobraj | ||
| Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India! | Don Quixote | ||
| Gundaraj | Police Inspector | ||
| Dilwale Dulhanya Le Jayenge | Chaudhry Baldev Singh | Nominated- Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award | |
| Haqeeqat | ACP. Shivcharan | ||
| Paapi Dewta | Ratan Seth | ||
| Kartavya | Thakur Ugranarayan Singh | ||
| 1996 | Vijeta | Wing Commander Varghese | |
| Tu Chor Main Sipahi | Thakur Gajendra Singh | ||
| Jeet | Gajraj Choudhary (Underworld Don) | ||
| Diljale | Dara | ||
| Beqabu | ACP Amritlal Bakshi | ||
| ghatak | Shambu Nath | Filmafre Best Supporting Actor Award, star Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor | |
| Smuggler | |||
| Sardari Begum | Hemraj | ||
| Jaan | Surya Dev Singh | ||
| 1997 | Khiladi No 1 | ||
| Koyla | Raja Saab | Nominated Filmfare Best Villain Award | |
| Mahaanta | Seth. Kedar Nath | ||
| Tarazu | Appa Rao | ||
| Pardes | Kishorilal | ||
| Chachi 420 | Durgaprasad Bhardwaj | ||
| Virasat | Raja Thakur | Filmafre Best Supporting Actor Award, star Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor | |
| Itihaas | Pradhan Des Pandey | ||
| Nimayak | Balwant | ||
| Himalay Putra | Malhotra, Seema’s father | (special appearance) | |
| Dhaal | Pilot Baba | ||
| 1998 | Sham Ghansham | Collector Bhim Singh | |
| Salaakhein | Jaspal Rana | ||
| Barood | Mr.Singhal | ||
| Jhooth Bole Kawwa Kate | Abhayankar (Police officer) | ||
| Doli Saja Ke Rakhna | Jojo Pinto | ||
| Dhoondte Rah Jaoge! | Voice on the phone with Tiger | ||
| China Gate | Col. Kewal Krishan Puri | ||
| 1999 | Lal Badshah | Thakur Dhayal Singh | |
| Aarzoo | Dayashankar | ||
| Zulmi | Balraj Dutt | ||
| Jai Hind | |||
| Taal | Jagmohan Mehta | ||
| Baadshah | Suraj Singh Thappar | Nominated- Filmfare Best Villain Award | |
| Gair | C.K Oberoi | ||
| Kala Samrajya | Kaalkeshwar Singh | ||
| 2000 | Badal | ACP Ranjeet Singh | |
| Ek Ajooba | Guruji | ||
| Dhai Akshar Prem Ke | Yagvender Gareval | ||
| Mohabbatein | Major General Khanna | (special appearance) | |
| Shaheed Udham Singh | The Sufi Saint | ||
| 2001 | On Wings of Fire | Nihavand ruler | |
| Zubeida | Suleiman Seth | ||
| Censor | Pandit Shiv Prasad (Censor board member) | ||
| Chori Chori Chupke Chupke | Kailashnath Malhotra | ||
| Mujhe Kuch Kahna Hai | Balram Singh (Tau of Karan) | ||
| Gadar: Ek Prem Katha | Mayor Ashraf Ali (Sakina’s father) | Nominated- Filmfare Best villainAward. Nominate- Zee cine Award for Best Actor in a Negative role. | |
| Yaadein | Jagdish Kumar Malhotra (Ronit’s uncle) | ||
| Nayak: The Real Hero | Chief Minister Balraj Chauhan | ||
| 2002 | Badmaash No. 1 | ||
| Badhai Ho Badhai | Mr. Chaddha | ||
| Shararat | Prajapati | ||
| Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani | Sadhu (sage) | ||
| Rishtey | Yashpal Chaudhary | ||
| 2003 | Khushi | Vir Bhadra Singh | |
| The Hero: The Love Story of a Spy | I.S.I Chief Ishak Khan | ||
| Jaal: The Trap | Major Amrish Kaul | ||
| Out Of Control | Jatta Singh Bedi (Jaswinder’s father) | ||
| Dil Pardesi Ho Gaya | Brigadier Sarfaroz Khan | ||
| 2004 | Surya | Thakur | |
| Police Force: An Inside Story | Mr. Pandey | ||
| Dev | Chief Minister Bhandarker | ||
| Lakshya | Brigadier Gautam Puri (Sp. App.) | Uncredited | |
| Garv: Pride and Honour | commissioner of police Samar Singh | ||
| Mujhse Shadi Karoge | Colonel Dugraj Singh | ||
| Taarzon: The Wonder Car | Kartar Singh/Paaji | ||
| Aitraaz | Mr. Ranjit Roy | ||
| hulchul | Angaar Chand | ||
| Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyo | Narrator | ||
| Woh Tera Naam tha | Ustad Samad Khan | ||
| 2005 | Kisna: the Warrior Poet | Bhairo Singh | |
| 2006 | Kachchi Sadak | Jailor | final film role |
| 2023 | Gadar 2 | Ashraf Ali (Sakina’s father) | Posthumous Role via Graphics |