This is a tribute post to one of my favorite villains of Indian cinema. Amrish Puri was a legendary Indian actor who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema with his exceptional performances. Let's explore some iconic roles (arranged chronologically) that Amrish Puri played throughout his career, spanning over 400 movies. I might have missed a few, but this will give you a good idea.
It stemmed from the conversation this morning when someone posted an image of how AI imagines an Indian GoT cast would look like, and the late Amrish Puri ji was cast as The Night King.
Someone asked: "Is it the bad guy from Indiana Jones Temple of Doom?" I felt the need to educate him,"Yes. Amrish Puri. One of the scariest villains in Hindi cinema. RIP."
Most world cinemagoers know him as the ruthless Thugee cult head Mola Ram practicing child slavery, black magic, and ritualistic human sacrifice in honor of the goddess Kali in the Indiana Jones movie. Years later, Spielberg said about his actor: “Amrish is my favorite villain. The best the world has ever produced and ever will”.Experience the menace in his voice, even if you don't understand Hindi.
In "Meri Jung," Puri portrayed Thakral, a corrupt lawyer manipulating the legal system for personal gain. Puri's commanding presence and intense performance made Thakral a formidable antagonist. His portrayal added complexity to the character, evoking fear and hatred among the audience. I find it disturbing when educated characters like Thakral can convict an innocent man of murder just for avarice. Their moral compass is so off that it worries you - if lettered and privileged people can be so selfish, how could you expect anything from people who have grown up in more adverse conditions?
Mogambo - "Mr. India" (1987):
My favorite, Mogambo was an eccentric and power-hungry supervillain, synonymous with Puri's portrayal. With his trademark dialogue, "Mogambo khush hua," popular even today, Puri brought a perfect balance of menace and humor to the character, making Mogambo an iconic Bollywood villain.
The name Mogambo came from a 1953 Hollywood film of the same name starring Clark Gable.
General Dong - "Tahalka" (1992):
Amrish Puri's portrayal of General Dong showcased his versatility as an actor. General Dong was a tyrannical military dictator of a country called Dongrila. He kidnapped school girls and plans to use them as suicide bombers to bomb populated areas in India. He even puts some girls into the personal harem, pushing the remaining ones into prostitution and trafficking their limbs and organs for money. Puri's performance revealed the character's sinister nature, creating a sense of dread and fear. His trademark dialogue," Dong Kabhi Wrong nahi hota" was a testament to his hubris that eventually brought him down.
JK- "Vishwatma" (1992):
Amrish Puri portrayed a complex and intriguing character named JK. While JK is not a conventional villain in the film, his actions and motives make him a significant antagonist.
JK is a powerful and influential businessman with a hidden agenda. He manipulates the lives of the film's protagonists and plays a pivotal role in driving the narrative forward. Puri's performance as JK brought charm, cunningness, and ruthlessness to the character. What made Amrish Puri's portrayal of JK particularly captivating was his ability to switch between charm and menace effortlessly.
Dilawar - "Damini" (1993):
In the critically acclaimed film "Damini," Amrish Puri played Dilawar, a corrupt and morally bankrupt politician. Puri portrayed Dilawar with a perfect blend of charm and menace, displaying his character's ability to manipulate and exploit others. His performance in the film earned him widespread praise for portraying a compelling and detestable antagonist.
Thakur Durjan Singh - "Karan Arjun" (1995):
In this reincarnation-themed action drama, Amrish Puri portrayed Thakur Durjan Singh, a tyrant seeking to maintain power and control. Puri's portrayal of the merciless Thakur, with his powerful dialogue delivery and imposing presence, was truly impactful, making him one of the most memorable villains of Bollywood.
Baldev Singh - "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (1995):
In this romantic blockbuster, Amrish Puri played Baldev Singh, the strict and traditional father of the female protagonist. Although not a conventional villain, Puri's portrayal of Baldev Singh was unforgettable. He showcased the character's stubbornness, deep-rooted values, and resistance to change, becoming a significant obstacle for the film's young lovers.
It was unusual to see him as a protective patriarch, too stuck on his beliefs to understand what would make his daughter happy. You pity him because he is so optimistic about the match he has arranged for his daughter that he is blind to the incompatibility she will have to deal with for the rest of her life. Unfortunately, such characters are not rare, and I have known parents whose wrong decisions ruined their children's lives. In this movie, however, he sees sense in the end and gives his permission to her to marry someone pf her choice,"Ja Simran, Ja. Jee le apni Zindagi!" I use this when I jovially give permission to a friend to live a little. :D
The joke is - Who are we to decide the fate and choices of anyone else, including our parents, siblings, and children?
Thakur Ranbir Singh - "Koyla" (1997):
In "Koyla," Amrish Puri portrayed Thakur Ranbir Singh, a cruel and oppressive feudal lord. Puri's portrayal of Thakur Singh captured the character's sadistic and tyrannical nature. His commanding screen presence and dialogue delivery added depth and authenticity to the character, making him a formidable antagonist. In fact, the only memorable thing about this movie were the songs and Amrish Puri.
Chaudhry Baldev Singh - "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha" (2001):
In this historical drama set during the partition of India, Amrish Puri played Chaudhry Baldev Singh, a Muslim-hating politician. Puri skillfully portrayed the character's bigotry and fanaticism, creating a memorable villain who instilled a sense of loathing in the audience. His performance stood out in a film known for its emotional intensity.
Raja Saab - "Nayak: The Real Hero" (2001):
Amrish Puri played Raja Saab, a powerful and influential politician in this political drama. Puri's portrayal of Raja Saab depicts a cunning and manipulative character who stops at nothing to maintain his hold on power. His performance was marked by intensity and conviction, making Raja Saab a memorable villain in the film.
These are just a few examples of the iconic villains Amrish Puri brought to life on the silver screen. His ability to infuse these characters with depth, complexity, and an unmistakable aura of villainy left an everlasting impression on audiences worldwide, at least upon me. His contribution to portraying villains remains unparalleled, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest actors in Bollywood history. Another favorite is probably Pran Sahab. But that is a post for another day.
Amrish Puri ji suffered from myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare kind of blood cancer, and died on January 12, 2005, at 72. He lives on in our hearts and in our imaginations. The true mark of an artist.
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