22 June marks the birth anniversary of Amrish Puri, an evergreen and iconic legend of Hindi Cinema, renowned for his villainous roles in Bollywood. He is a memorable icon who stays in the hearts of millions of people as a legendary actor. He worked in more than 450 films in his professional career and some of his most remarkable works include: Nagina (1986), Ram Lakhan (1989), Baadshah (1999), Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001), Nayak: The Real Hero (2001); however despite all these remarkable and timeless performances, Puri’s performance as the main antagonist Mogambo in the film Mr. India (1987) is considered as one of the greatest and most rememberable villain of all times. The dialogue “Mogambo Khush Hua” is one of Puri’s most iconic dialogues. 

These works made him gain nation-wide popularity as a villain, but he, being a versatile actor not only made the heart of the audience throb with fear and anger but also warmed it with laughter and deep emotions, for example; his role as Chaudhary Baldev Singh (“Bauji”) in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge (1995) portrayed a strict yet loving and understanding father. His iconic dialogue “JAA SIMRAN JAA JEE LE APNI ZINDAGI” made the film as a whole iconic and unforgettable.

Most Iconic Dialogues of Amrish Puri

•  “Itne Tukde Karunga ki tu penchana nahi jayega” is a legendary dialogue that was delivered by Amrish Puri in his various works, making it his style and identity. Even today, whenever he or his work is discussed, this dialogue is always mentioned and remembered.

• “Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe”: This is a dialogue which has become popular in various contexts among today's youth, specifically in humorous memes and jokes was performed by Amrish Puri in the film “Nagina” (1986).

•  “Galti ek Baar hoti hai, Do baar hoti hai….Lekin teesri baar iraada hota hai": This dialogue from the film “Ilaaka” portrays the importance of accountability and is a powerful dialogue delivered with authority.

•  “Dong Kabhi Wrong Nahi Hota”: This dialogue from the movie Tahalka (1992) led to a widespread popularity of Amrish Puri in the Hindi Film Industry

• “Tabaadlo se ilaake badalte hai….iraade nahi”: This dialogue is delivered by Amrish Puri in the movie Garv: Pride and honour, in which he plays the role of Commissioner Samar Singh, which is another example of versatility and professionalism. 

International popularity of Amrish Puri

The film Gandhi (1982) by Richard Attenborough became the debut film of Amrish Puri in Hollywood, in which he played Gandhi’s Muslim employer and patron in South Africa. 

The renowned film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas portrayed Amrish Puri in another thrilling villainous role as a ruthless, power-hungry Thuggee priest named Mola Ram. This role had a significant part in making Amrish Puri known to the International audience.

Achievements and Award-Winning Performances of Amrish Puri

Amrish Puri’s professional career spanned from 1967 to 2005, during which he played remarkable roles, whether positive or negative, for which he received various awards.

He won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1986 for the film Meri Jung, Maharashtra State Drama (1968), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Theatre (1979), Star Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor — Ghatak, and many more, along with all these achievements, he was also nominated for innumerable awards.

Amrish Puri - 

Amrish Puri was born on 22 June 1932 in Nawanshahr near Jalandhar and lost this world on 12 January 2005 in P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai. He died after a long battle against a rare form of blood cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome. He actively worked between 1967 and 2005 and will be remembered forever!

Amrish Puri — the Legend, is not between us anymore, but he is always alive and present in the hearts of every fan and is an inspiration for millions of people. The era of Bollywood, which has seen actor Amrish Puri, whether as an antagonist or in a positive role, has remained remarkable ever since.