Veteran actor Jackie Shroff offered a moving tribute to the late cinematic giant Amrish Puri on Monday, marking 21 years since his passing. Shroff remembered Puri for his commanding screen presence, unforgettable voice, and the permanent mark he left on the film industry.
A Silent Tribute with Profound Meaning
Jackie Shroff chose a simple yet powerful way to honour his colleague. He took to his social media stories, sharing a monochrome photograph of Amrish Puri. The visual was accompanied by the soulful track 'Hum Na Samjhe The' by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam from the 1993 film 'Gardish'. For the caption, Shroff kept it brief and respectful, writing: "Amrish Puri ji (folded hands emoji) (22 June 1932-12 Jan 2005)".
The Legacy of a Cinematic Titan
Amrish Puri's career spanned over 450 films, securing his position as one of Indian cinema's most iconic figures. While celebrated for his acting versatility, it was his portrayals of antagonists that brought him legendary status. His filmography is a testament to his range, featuring classics such as:
- 'Vidhaata', 'Shakti', 'Hero', and 'Meri Jung'
- 'Mr. India', 'Shahenshah', 'Ram Lakhan', and 'Tridev'
- 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge', 'Pardes', and 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha'
- 'Karan Arjun', 'Jeet', 'Baadshah', and 'Nayak: The Real Hero'
However, his role as the iconic Mogambo in Shekhar Kapur's 'Mr. India' is widely considered one of the greatest villain performances ever captured on the Indian screen. Puri also showcased brilliant comic timing in films like 'Chachi 420' opposite Kamal Haasan. His global fame was cemented by playing the fearsome Mola Ram in Steven Spielberg's Hollywood blockbuster 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'.
Final Years and Lasting Impact
Amrish Puri battled myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare form of blood cancer. His health challenges included a brain surgery in 2004 after hospitalization. His condition necessitated frequent procedures to remove accumulated blood from his brain's cerebral region, and he eventually slipped into a coma. The legendary actor passed away in 2005.
His final film appearance was in the 2006 action drama 'Kachchi Sadak', which also starred Rahul Singh, Madhoo, Mithun Chakraborty, and Rahul Dev. The film, a partly fictional and partly real story written by Rahul Singh, revolved around a young man entangled in the politically charged liquor trade.
Two decades after his passing, tributes like Jackie Shroff's underscore that Amrish Puri's formidable voice and towering persona continue to resonate powerfully within the heart of Indian cinema and its audience.
