In memory: Indian actor Om Puri's must-watch films on his birth anniversary

A rare gem in the Indian film industry is a thespian like the late actor Om Puri. As a foundational figure in the Indian new wave, Puri played a significant part in creating a parallel universe for thought-provoking movies. The late actor, known for his flawless dialogue delivery, continues to be represented in his work, and his legacy serves as an inspiration for contemporary actors who aspire to play challenging roles. Remembering him on his birth anniversary, let's take a look back at some of his must-watch films of all times.

Aakrosh: Directed by Govind Nihalani and features a play by renowned Marathi playwright Vijay Tendulkar, centres on an oppressed tribal man who Puri portrays. With the help of Naseeruddin Shah and Smita Patil, Puri hardly had any dialogue to speak, yet his intense eyes convey every emotion the character feels. For this movie, Om Puri won his first Filmfare.

Ardh Satya: This cop-drama directed by Govind Nihalani, parallel cinema created its own angry young man in Om Puri. In this quirky movie, the good man, an honest cop trying to do his job without making any compromises and being damaged by childhood trauma, reaches the end of his rope. For this movie, Puri received a national award.

Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro: With Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Baswani, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapur, Satish Shah, Satish Kaushik, Bhakti Barve, and Neena Gupta in the cast, it is a dark satire on corruption and was directed by Kundan Shah.

Chachi 420: The versatile actor not only played the passionate and anguished characters as no one else could but also forayed into the comic genre with complete authority. Along with amazing performances in cult classics like 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro' and 'Hera-Pheri,' the talisman also provided laugh-out-loud moments in the Kamal Hasan-directed film with comic timing.

Maqbool: Vishal Bharadwaj, who was in many ways Gulzar's pupil, reworked the classic Macbeth by William Shakespeare and gave the legendary Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri two distinct characters. In this masterwork, Puri, who plays a future teller, is equally humorous and serious.