He was much more than an actor: Naseeruddin Shah remembers Om Puri after re-watching 'Ardh Satya'

ANI May 15, 2025 241 views

Naseeruddin Shah recently rewatched 'Ardh Satya' and shared an emotional tribute to late actor Om Puri on Instagram. He praised both Puri and Sadashiv Amrapurkar for their unforgettable performances in the 1983 film. Shah quoted Nicholas Ray, comparing Puri's acting to Bogart's, calling him "the very image of our condition." Om Puri, a Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee, left behind a rich legacy in Indian and international cinema.

"He was much more than an actor. He was the very image of our condition." – Naseeruddin Shah
He was much more than an actor: Naseeruddin Shah remembers Om Puri after re-watching 'Ardh Satya'
Mumbai, May 15: Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah recently re-watched the cult film Ardh Satya and has shared fond memories of late star Om Puri.

Key Points

1

Naseeruddin Shah recalls Om Puri's brilliance in 'Ardh Satya'

2

Praises Sadashiv Amrapurkar's iconic role as Rama Shetty

3

Reflects on Puri's profound impact on Indian cinema

4

Film directed by Govind Nihalani with Vijay Tendulkar's screenplay

Taking to his Instagram handle, the 'Sparsh' actor praised his friend and actor Om Puri's performance in the 1983 film.

Along with Om Puri, Naseeruddin also praised the performance of Sadashiv Amrapurkar, who played Rama Shetty in the film.

While sharing the photo of Om Puri, the actor wrote, "Revisited Ardh Satya on the big screen last night after ages. Both Sadashiv and Om are at their absolute best. Something Nicholas Ray said about Bogart which really applies to Om, His face was a living reproach. He was much more than an actor. He was the very image of our condition."

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJqehYNOzsa/?

Ardh Satya was directed by Govind Nihalani, and the screenplay was penned by Vijay Tendulkar. Naseeruddin also played a cameo in the film.

Om Puri passed away on January 6, 2017. Known for his fluent dialogue delivery, Om Puri, during his career performed in many memorable films like 'Aakrosh', 'Maqbool', 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron', 'Gandhi', 'Ardh Satya', 'Mirch Masala', 'Tamas', 'Sadgati', 'Droh Kaal', 'Chachi 420' and others.

Om Puri, born on October 18, 1950, to a Punjabi family, was an actor who appeared in mainstream commercial, Pakistani, Hollywood, independent and art films.

The actor, who had more than 100 films to his credit, was also honoured with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and two National Film Awards, during his acting career that stretched for more than four decades.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Om Puri was a legend who could make you feel every emotion through his eyes alone. Ardh Satya remains relevant even today because of performances like his. We need more actors who can bring such depth to Indian cinema. 🙏
P
Priya M.
That scene where Om Puri breaks down in the police station still gives me goosebumps! Today's actors should learn from his craft - minimal dialogue, maximum impact. Naseer sahab's tribute is so heartfelt.
A
Amit S.
While I respect Om Puri's talent, I wish he had done more commercial films too. His comic timing in Chachi 420 was brilliant! Parallel cinema greats like him deserved more mainstream recognition during their lifetimes.
S
Sunita R.
The golden era of Indian parallel cinema! Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi - they brought such realism to their roles. Today's OTT shows owe so much to these pioneers. Ardh Satya should be compulsory viewing in film schools.
V
Vikram J.
Interesting that Naseer sahab mentions Nicholas Ray's comment. Om Puri indeed had that everyman quality that made his characters feel real. Whether playing a cop or common man, he never seemed to be "acting". Pure genius!
N
Neha T.
My father always said Om Puri's performances reflected the soul of India. From the struggles of common people in Ardh Satya to the humor in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro - what range! Wish we had more biopics about such artists rather than just politicians.

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Tags:
Naseeruddin Shah Om Puri Ardh Satya Sadashiv Amrapurkar Govind Nihalani Vijay Tendulkar Bollywood classics
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