- Full Name: Amrish Lal Puri
- Date of Birth: June 22, 1932
- Birthplace: Nawanshahr, Punjab, British India (now in Punjab, India)
- Died: January 12, 2005 (aged 72)
- Place of Death: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Actor
- Years Active: 1954–2005
Early Life & Education:
Amrish Puri was born into a Punjabi Hindu family. His elder brothers Madan Puri and Chaman Puri were also actors. He initially worked in the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) before pursuing a career in theater and films.
Career:
Amrish Puri began his acting journey in theater and became a prominent stage actor. His film debut came with a minor role in Prem Pujari (1970). However, his breakthrough as a villain came with Manmohan Desai’s Reshma Aur Shera (1971).
Iconic Bollywood Villain Roles:
- Mr. India (1987) – Mogambo, his most famous role
- Karan Arjun (1995) – Thakur Durjan Singh
- Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) – Ashraf Ali
- Nayak (2001) – Corrupt Chief Minister Balraj Chauhan
- Damini (1993) – Evil lawyer Indrajit Chaddha
- Meri Jung (1985) – G.D. Thakral, a ruthless lawyer
Memorable Positive Roles:
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) – Played Bauji (Chaudhary Baldev Singh)
- Virasat (1997) – Won Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award
- China Gate (1998) – Played a tough yet noble ex-army officer
Hollywood & International Work:
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) – Played Mola Ram, the evil cult leader in the Steven Spielberg classic
Awards & Recognition:
- Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor (Virasat, 1997)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Theater Work
- Recognized as one of Indian cinema’s greatest villains
Personal Life:
Amrish Puri was married to Urmila Puri, and they had two children, Rajiv Puri and Namrata Puri.
Legacy & Influence:
Amrish Puri remains one of the most legendary villains in Indian cinema history. His deep voice, commanding presence, and powerful performances made him an unforgettable actor. His famous dialogue, “Mogambo Khush Hua!”, remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic lines.
