ONE of the greatest antagonists in cinema, Amrish Puri struck fear into the hearts of audiences with authoritative characters that are branded permanently on the cinematic landscape.
The acclaimed actor passed away on January 12, 2005, aged 72 and will be remembered by fans around the world on his death anniversary this week.
Eastern Eye decided to pay tribute to the amazing actor by selecting 10 of his most memorable antagonistic roles, in chronological order.
SK Vardhan - Mashaal (1984): The actor plays a villain, who will do whatever it takes to hold onto power, even if it means destroying everything in his path. He faces off against Bollywood’s greatest actor Dilip Kumar and the then hottest new actor Anil Kapoor in a successful film.
Mola Ram - Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984): Director Steven Spielberg was so in awe of Puri’s portrayal of an evil priest who performs human sacrifices that he described him as the best villain the world has ever produced. The Hollywood blockbuster and character he played became iconic.
GD Thakral - Meri Jung (1985): Puri played an evil man pretending to be on the right side of the law. His portrayal of a massively corrupt lawyer won universal acclaim and showed his immense versatility as a performer.
Mogambo - Mr India (1987): One of Indian cinema’s most famous villain’s appeared in the fantasy adventure about an invisible man and became a part of Hindi cinema folklore. Puri was magnificent and his much quoted catchphrase ‘Mogambo khush hua’ became legendary.
Bhujang -Tridev (1989): The masala potboiler featured a spicy cast that included Sunny Deol, Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff and Madhuri Dixit, but it was Amrish Puri who was nominated for a major award with his explosive portrayal of a crime lord. Balwant Rai –
Ghayal (1990): The second highest grossing film of that year featured a memorable villainous turn from Puri. He plays a man who hides his illegal activities under the guise of respectability. His bad guy is so unbeatable it forces hero Sunny Deol to become a vigilante.
Barrister Indrajit Chaddh – Damini (1993): One of the most memorable court battles in Bollywood once again had Puri as a bad barrister breathing fire. He provides the perfect counter-balance to the explosive lawyer brilliantly portrayed by Sunny Deol.
Thakur Durjan Singh - Karan Arjun (1995): A film that featured towering superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan needed a gigantic villain, which was provided by Puri. He ruthlessly murders two brothers, but then has to deal with them when they are reincarnated.
Chaudhry Baldev Singh - Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995): The record-breaking romance had Puri’s fearsome father of the bride standing in the way of true love. His imposing figure connected to old traditions represented a generational divide that connected with audiences globally.
Mayor Ashraf Ali - Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001): The record-breaking film featured the actor playing a Pakistani political leader who reconnects with his daughter after partition, but won’t let her return to India to her husband and child. The cross-border film broke records and it was one of many times he was involved in such films. That is why the late great star will never be forgotten.
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