How Om Puri left Pakistanis on a high note

In a world where looks are all that matter, legendary actor became a superstar in his own right

LAHORE/KARACHI: Some artists are meant to become superstars.  You probably won’t even remember them too frequently because they prefer to live scandal-free and so, aren’t in the news every day. They simply exist in the background, tirelessly work on their craft and ultimately go away, leaving behind a legacy to inspire future generations.

This is what the career of actors such as Om Puri is like. In a world where looks are seemingly all that matters, he managed to create a niche and became a superstar in his own right.

Of course, Puri’s untimely death on Friday has left the world on a bittersweet note. It’s definitely very depressing to see someone who has played such a major role in so many of your favourite childhood films leave. Having said that, the actor’s recent outbursts proved that just because Puri was quiet, it did not mean he had nothing to say.



Puri was perhaps the only celebrity who spoke his heart out at a time when both Indian and Pakistani artists were hiding under the cloak of being politically correct. His gutsy plain speak, not only on this particular occasion, was a beacon of hope and one can safely say that he left on a high note, on the right side of the argument – the side of peace and prosperity.

The artist’s death has shaken up the Pakistani entertainment industry inside out. “Om was a peace lover, a legend, a humanitarian, lawyer and most importantly, a well-wisher of the Pakistani people,” said Salima Hashmi, artist, educator and daughter of legendary Urdu poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, while speaking with The Express Tribune. “He was always boldly in favour of Pakistan and Pakistani activists, even though he faced ample criticism for it in his own country.”

Hashmi continued, “He was down to earth and had had a tough childhood. Even though he was a legend, he did not forget the hard times he had faced. Perhaps that’s why he appreciated Faiz’s poetry and liked to visit the Faiz House.”



According to veteran actor Ghulam Mohiuddin, Puri was a very brave person. “He spoke in favour of Pakistani artists when extremists in India were opposing them. He faced a lot of criticism for it but did not go back on his words and that is a proof of a great human being,” he said. “Besides, his work in Indian cinema is a proof of his remarkable acting skills.” Senior film director Sangeeta Begum echoed Mohiuddin’s sentiments, saying, “I appreciated his contribution to our cinema. There is no doubt that he was a great actor and will be remembered as a legend.”

Puri was not just serving cinema but humanity as a whole, paying no heed to religious, political or social barriers whatsoever. “He visited the shrine of Data Ali Hajveri when he came to Pakistan last year and never hesitated to interact with the public. He established a different identity in an industry where pretty faces dominate the screen,” stated film director Parvez Rana.



Puri had been to Pakistan several times in the past few years, for film production, promotion and related festivals. His most recent visit was with regards to the promotion of Actor in Law, wherein he played a father, opposite Fahad Mustafa and Mehwish Hayat.

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