Amrish Puri

Biography

Believe it or not, Amrish Puri wanted to become a Bollywood movie hero but failed a screen test in 1954. And what a failure it was! Mr. Puri went on to become one of the most renowned and credible villains in the history of Indian cinema.

His most memorable and often quoted role is the character of 'Mogambo' (with the catchphrase "Mogambo Khush Hua"). It is still remembered fondly by Mr. India (1987). Shyam Benegal cast him in movies such as Nishant (1975), Bhumika (1977), and Manthan (1976).

Yash Chopra cast him in Mashaal (1984), the same year that Steven Spielberg cast him in his best-known role outside of India, as Mola Ram in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984).

His elder brother is none other than Bollywood actor Madan Puri. Amrish Puri died in Mumbai on January 12, 2005, due to a brain hemorrhage.

Although he was known for playing villains, he was described by co-star Harrison Ford as one of the nicest and kindest actors he had ever worked with.

He shaved his head for the role of the villain Mola Ram in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). It created such an impression that he kept his head shaved and became one of the most popular villains in Hindi Cinema.

He made his debut at the age of almost 40 in 1971 in Reshma Aur Shera (1971).

Daughter, Namrata, son, Rajiv.

In the mid 80's Amrish Puri was involved with a married woman named Shobha Rane (Bhavna). She was married to Nitin Salhalkar.

Brother of Late Madan Puri.

First cousin of singer K.l. Saigal.

Uncle of director Ramesh (Ramesh) Puri. Madan Puri's son.

Son Rajeev is married to Meena. They have two children. Harshvardhan and Sachi.

Record holder for most Filmfare wins in the Best Supporting Actor category, alongside a father-son duo of Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Puri's predecessor as Indian Cinema's most acclaimed villain Pran. All five have 3 wins each.

Daughter Namrata married Shirish Bagwe in 1987. They have two children. Krish and Shantanu.

Starred in the shelved film Om Pictures AAKHIRI HATHIYAAR (1999) Starring Niranjan, Sharmili, Amrish Puri, Aruna Irani, Deepak Shirke, Raza Murad, Arjun, Shiva, Music by Abhiraj, Produced by Mukesh Bansal, Directed by Rakesh Sinha, Mukesh Poonam.

The elder brother is actor Chaman Puri and the elder sister is Chandrakanta.

A younger brother named Harish Puri.

Nephew Anoop Puri is also an actor (Son of Chaman Puri).

Starred in the shelved film Kumar Mangat Productions KUDRAT KA INSAAF (1990) Starring Aasif Sheikh, Sabeeha, Amrish Puri, Raza Murad, Tej Sapru, Kunika, Aparajita, Produced by Kumar Mangat, Directed by V. Menon.

Starred in the shelved film "Dastaan E Majnu" (1985). Rajan Sippy, Mandakini, Suresh Oberoi. Amjad Khan, Amrish Puri, Music by Laxmikant -Pyarelal, Produced Pramod Shah, Directed by R. Sharma.

Grandnephew Rohin Puri is a musician. Rohin is Chaman Puri's grandson.

Cousin of actor S.L.Puri (Sunder Lal Puri). He was the CEO of Filmistan Studio.