Amrish Puri was one of the most revered and iconic actors in Indian cinema, known for his commanding presence and ability to portray a wide range of characters, especially villains. Born on June 22, 1932, in Lahore (now in Pakistan), Amrish Puri came from a Punjabi family with a background in literature and theater.
He initially pursued a career in theater before moving to Bombay (now Mumbai) in the 1970s to pursue a career in films. His early years in the film industry were marked by bit parts and supporting roles, but his immense talent eventually caught the attention of filmmakers, and he became one of Bollywood’s most formidable and memorable actors.
Amrish Puri’s breakthrough role came in the 1980s when he played the villain in Vidyapati (1982), but it was his portrayal of the ruthless and power-hungry villain Mogambo in the cult classic Mr. India (1987) that truly made him a household name. His iconic line, “Mogambo khush hua!” (Mogambo is pleased), became one of the most famous dialogues in Bollywood history, and his menacing yet theatrical performance as the film’s primary antagonist made him an enduring figure in popular culture.
This role solidified Puri as one of the finest villains in the history of Indian cinema, and he quickly became the go-to actor for negative roles.Over the years, Amrish Puri became synonymous with villainous characters in Bollywood. His powerful voice, piercing eyes, and authoritative demeanor made him perfect for portraying ruthless and larger-than-life antagonists.
He played villains in a number of successful films, including Karan Arjun (1995), where he portrayed the evil Raaj Kumar, and Darr (1993), where he played a psychotic father in love with his son’s obsession. Puri’s portrayal of these characters was so compelling that he became an integral part of some of the biggest blockbusters in Bollywood, and his roles often outshone the heroes.
