Veteran actor Om Puri is dead, India mourns

MUMBAI: Veteran Bollywood actor Om Puri, whose repertoire as an actor reflected a rare realism, died here early on Friday after a heart attack, triggering nationwide outpouring of condolences from top leaders, fans and the film fraternity. The widely celebrated Om Puri, 66, was found dead at his Andheri West residence. He is survived by his son Ishaan, whom he had with former wife Nandita Puri. The sudden demise of one of India's most talented actors stunned the film industry. Om Puri death: Live updates

• Mumbai: Actor Vidya Balan and director Shyam Benegal reach #OmPuri's residence to pay their last tributes to the actor. PIC/ANI.
• OM Puri undergoing postmortem at Cooper Hospital.Will be taken to Trishul around 3pm, funeral at Oshiwara electric crematorium around 6pm, tweeted Shabana Azmi

OM Puri undergoing postmortem at Cooper Hospital.Will be taken to Trishul around 3pm Funeral at Oshiwara electric crematorium around 6pm

— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) January 6, 2017

• "He passed away this morning due to a massive heart attack at his residence in suburban Andheri. It's shocking," a family source said.
• "The Prime Minister condoles the passing away of actor Om Puri and recalls his long career in theatre and films," read a post from the @PMOIndia Twitter handle.

• From Bollywood to Hollywood, from independent to art films, the noted actor, known for his versatility, gave several acclaimed performances.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Puri's demise and recalled his long career in theatre and films.
• One of the finest talents of Indian cinema & theatre, Mr Om Puri will live on through the many unforgettable characters he brought to life, wrote office of Rahul Gandhi
• Actor Anupam Kher wrote: "Seeing him lying on his bed looking so calm can't believe that one of our greatest actors Om Puri is no more. Deeply saddened and shocked."

Om Puri was awarded the Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award, in 1990. AFP Photo

• Having known Puri for over four decades, Kher added: "I have known Om Puri for the last 43 years. For me he'll always be a great actor, a kind and generous man. And that is how world should remember him.
• Actress Priyanka Chopra tweeted: "The end of an era .... The legacy lives on.. RIP Om Puri".
• Bollywood star Akshay Kumar wrote: "Sad to hear about the passing away of the very talented Om Puri, my co-actor in many films... Heartfelt condolences to the family."
• Shocked beyond words to express, actor Riteish Deshmukh tweeted: "Will miss you sir.

• Condolences to the family. Had the privilege of working with Om ji in two films 'Malamaal Weekly' and 'Tere Naal Love Hogayaa'. I still can't believe he is no more."
• Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, reacting to the tragic news, said a part of him is gone. "Goodbye Om! A part of me goes with you today. How can I ever forget those passionate nights we spent together talking about cinema and life," wrote Bhatt.
• Filmmaker Subhash Ghai said Om Puri's life is "an inspirational journey of ordinary man to extraordinary international actor for next generation."
• Filmmaker Hansal Mehta described him as "among our finest". "A simple man and a great artiste," he said.
• Singer and music composer Vishal Dadlani wrote: "So many unforgettable performances, which will outlive all of us. What a legend."
• Actor Boman Irani tweeted: "RIP Om Puri. We have lost one of our finest. A talent, a voice, a spirit. Will miss you Puri saab."
• Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan wrote: "So long Om ji. Prided myself on being his friend peer and admirer. Who dare say my Om Puri is no more? He lives through his work."
• Bidding adieu to the legendary actor, filmmaker Kabir Khan tweeted: "Om ji. I will miss that warm tight hug that you gave me every morning on set.
• Sajid Khan recollected the actor's work in films like "Ardh Satya", "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro", "City of Joy" and "Chachi 420", saying "his versatility and journey as an actor was remarkable".
• Describing him as a father figure to an entire generation of actors, Adil Hussain wrote, "He believed in Independent Films. Truly a trailblazer. I will miss him dearly. Rest in deep peace Om ji."
• Actress Shabana Azmi, who was among his friends too, wrote: "Om Puri! You have left us all too early... The fun the laughter the arguments so vividly etched in my mind...Will miss you."

The Prime Minister condoles the passing away of actor Om Puri & recalls his long career in theatre & films. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 6, 2017

Saddened by the demise of veteran actor Om Puri, his death is an irreparable loss to Indian cinema.May God render peace to the departed soul — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) January 6, 2017

Shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden demise of veteran actor Om Puri. May his soul rest in peace. Strength to his family. — Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) January 6, 2017

Saddened by passing away of veteran actor Om Puri ji. May Almighty bestow his soul with eternal peace. — Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) January 6, 2017

Heartfelt condolences on the demise of veteran actor #OmPuri ji. May his soul rest in peace.. — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) January 6, 2017

So long Omji. Prided myself on being his friend peer & admirer. Who dare say my Om Puri is no more ? He lives through his work. — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) January 6, 2017

Sad to hear about the passing away of the very talented Om Puri, my co-actor in many films...heartfelt condolences to the family. #RIP — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 6, 2017

Deeply saddened after hearing about the the demise of one of India's finest actors #OmPuri ji. My condolences to his family & well wishers. — N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) January 6, 2017

#OmPuri lent dignity to d medium he worked for. Whether it was stage, TV or cinema. He elevated status of the projects was associated with. — Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) January 6, 2017

  From Bollywood to Hollywood, from independent to art films, the noted actor, known for his versatility, gave several acclaimed performances. Puri featured in several Indian, Pakistani, British and Hollywood mainstream commercial films. He was awarded the Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award, in 1990.