When Om Puri revealed that Naseeruddin Shah have him his shirt for his FTII interview
Mumbai, July 5
The late actor Om Puri once spoke about how his friend, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has always stood by him. An old video of the actors have resurfaced on the Internet, and it shows Om Puri talking about how it was his friend, who insisted him to join the Film and Television Institute of India Pune.
In the video, he can be seen talking to Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah. He said, "There were many people in my life who helped me in their own way. My parents only gave birth to me. I was brought up by my friends. One is sitting next to me. He has given me gifts many times. When I went for an interview at the Film Institute, I didn't have a decent shirt. So, he gave me his shirt and asked me to remove the one that I was wearing".
He further mentioned, "I am indebted to him. I am indebted to him because, Govind Nihalani, Shyam Benegal, I agree that they are my mentors here. But, the push that this guy has given me, if Naseeruddin Shah hadn't pushed me, I wouldn't have reached here today. He told me, 'You will have to come to the Film Institute. You will have to come'. I told him that I don't have money. I don't even have anything. He said, 'No, you beg, borrow, steal. But, you have to come to the Film Institute'. These days, you don't find friendship like this".
The friendship between the 2 actors weighed in gold. They shared one of Indian cinema's most respected friendships. Both came from the world of theatre and the National School of Drama, becoming key figures of the parallel cinema movement. Their bond was built on shared struggles, artistic respect, and a passion for realistic acting.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's amazing how these artists from the NSD and FTII era supported each other through thick and thin. Om Puri's story reminds me that true talent often needs a helping hand. Naseeruddin Shah's insistence - "beg, borrow, steal but come to FTII" - shows how much he believed in his friend. That's the kind of faith that builds careers.
This is so touching! In today's world where everyone is busy with their own life, such selfless friendships are rare. Om Puri saying "my parents only gave birth, I was brought up by my friends" - that line makes me emotional. 🙏 Bollywood needs more of this genuine camaraderie instead of these fake Instagram friendships.
I appreciate the sentiment, but let's be real - these actors were part of an elite circle that got into FTII and NSD through connections. While Om Puri's story is sweet, it glosses over the fact that thousands of talented youngsters from smaller towns never get such opportunities. The system needs to be more merit-based and accessible. Still, nice to see such loyalty between friends.
What a gem of an archive! This video shows why Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri remain icons of Indian cinema - they lived their art, supported each other, and never lost their roots. The way Om Puri acknowledges his debt to Naseer is so humble. We need more artistes like them, not these PR-driven celebrities who think friendship is about Instagram likes. 🎭✨
Beautiful story! But let's also remember that Om Pur
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