BOMBAY, India (AP) - Amrish Puri, Bollywood's favorite villain and one of several Indian actors to find roles in British and American movies, died in a Bombay hospital from a brain hemorrhage. He was 72.
Puri, who suffered from a neurological disorder, died Wednesday after being admitted to Bombay's Hinduja Hospital on Dec. 28 - one day after he fell at his home, hospital administrator Anupam Verma said.
"He suffered a head injury due to the fall and didn't really recover," Verma said.
Puri had for the past 10 months suffered from a disease that among other complications, prevents blood from clotting.
Puri acted in some 220 Bollywood movies after his 1971 debut in the Hindi film "Reshma Aur Shera."
Some of Puri's best known movies were "Naseeb" ("Fate"), "Ardh Satya" ("Half Truth"), "Andha Kanoon" ("Blind Law"), "Shakti" ("Strength"), "Coolie" ("Porter") and "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" ("The big-hearted will walk away with the bride").
With his deep voice and gruff, evil laughter, he was one of a growing number of Indian actors to find roles in British and American movies.
Puri played a small role in Richard Attenborough's Oscar-winning 1982 movie "Gandhi" as Khan, the nonviolence leader's Muslim sponsor in South Africa, where Mahatma Gandhi began his fight against injustice.
He shaved his hair for the part of the villain Mola Ram in Steven Spielberg's "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" in 1984.
Before joining the Hindi film industry, Puri acted in Indian theater and did voiceovers for advertising campaigns.
He is survived by his wife, a son and daughter. The funeral was scheduled for Thursday.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
For Puri...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour...
March 18, 2010
A very good actor,
sanjay mahajan
June 19, 2009 | Ashland
It may be one year and 10 months, but Mr. Puri is still NOT forgotten. Wished his native films could have been shown here in North America besides Ghandi and The Temple of Doom epics. I still miss him.
Debbie
November 19, 2006 | Baltimore, MD
i greatly will miss amrish sahib.very talented actor who would flourish in every type of role.film industry have lost one of the legends of indian screen.will be sadly missed.may god rest his soul in peace.
darshan bhamra
November 17, 2006 | London
I LOVE THIS PAGE. IT LOOKS REALLY NICE. KEEP IT UP
asaba owerri
May 18, 2005 | Aba, AB
it's really a sad moment for all bollywood fans. Our trademark of bollywood industry have leaves us forever. All Bollywood fans will miss amrishji as he will be remembered all the times. there's nothing I can said, lastly I pray to god that amrishji soul will be rest in peace and maygod bless him.
Dharam Das Kukreja
February 22, 2005 | Kuala Lumpur
A great actor and an even greater man. He has left examples which will be impossible to follow, engraving in everyone's heart as Mogambo in Mr India, the priest in Indiana Jones, and also the more loveable characters like the ones in Mujhse Shaadi Karoge and shararath these are namely but a couple of examples of unforgettable gems he has left behind - immoratlised.
A sad loss to Bollywood and all his fans worldwide, you will be greatly missed, may god rest your soul in peace.
Ruby Ahmed
February 20, 2005 | London
a legend no doubt,a master at acting amrishji will sadly be missed by millions upon millions of people in this world may peace be upon him sadly sadly missed niaaz
niaaz khan
February 19, 2005 | London Uk
he was one of the greatest actors, his performance will always be remembered....its a shock to know..i still cant belive it
Zainub
February 18, 2005 | VA
