Born: June 22, 1932 – Died: January 12, 2005
Amrish Puri, a distinguished figure in Indian cinema, was born on June 22, 1932, in Nawanshahr, Jullundur, Punjab, British India. His journey to stardom is a tale of resilience and transformation. Initially aspiring to be a Bollywood hero, he faced a setback in 1954 when he failed a screen test. However, this failure marked the beginning of a remarkable career, leading him to become one of the most credible and formidable villains in Indian cinema history.
His elder brother emerged as a notable Bollywood actor, hinting at the artistic inclinations in his family.
Puri's significant contributions to the entertainment industry are vast and impactful. He's remembered for his deep, baritone voice and his iconic roles, especially the character of 'Mogambo' in "Mr. India" (1987), which remains a memorable part of Indian cinema lore.
Early Life and Career
Amrish Puri's initial failure in a Bollywood screen test in 1954 marks a significant starting point in his career. This setback led him to explore roles as an antagonist, a decision that would shape his entire career. His career trajectory took a significant turn with his role as 'Mogambo' in "Mr. India." This role, with its famous catchphrase "Mogambo Khush Hua," became a cultural phenomenon and firmly established Puri as a prominent figure in Indian cinema.
His portrayal of Mola Ram in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" (1984) further catapulted him to international fame, showcasing his versatility and commanding screen presence. This role expanded his reach and reputation beyond the Indian film industry.
Puri's career is decorated with numerous awards and nominations, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to cinema. His performances in various roles have been recognized with critical acclaim, cementing his legacy as an iconic actor.
His personal life, married to Urmila Divekar from 1957 until his death, was marked by a family life with two children. His interests, other talents, or involvement in philanthropy, controversies, or scandals are less known, preserving an image focused primarily on his professional achievements.
Amrish Puri's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry is profound. Recognized for his unique voice and memorable villainous roles, he stands out as an icon in Indian cinema. His ability to bring complex antagonists to life with depth and charisma has left an indelible mark on the industry, making him a celebrated figure in the world of cinema.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Mission: The Last War | Unknown |
| 2006 | Kachchi Sadak | Hasan Kairanvi |
| 2005 | Kisna: The Warrior Poet | Bhairon Singh |
| 2004 | Woh Tera Naam Tha | Ustad Samad Khan |
| 2004 | Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo | Narrator |
| 2004 | Hulchul | Angar Chand |
| 2004 | Aitraaz | Ranjit Roy |
| 2004 | Taarzan: The Wonder Car | Kartar Singh |
| 2004 | Mujhse Shaadi Karogi | Colonel Dugraj Singh |
| 2004 | Love | Saligrama Oberoi |
| 2004 | Pride and Honour | Police Commssioner Samar Singh |
| 2004 | Lakshya | Brig Gen. Gautam Puri (uncredited) |
| 2004 | Dev | Chief Minister Bhandarker |
| 2004 | Police Force: An Inside Story | Mr. Pandey |
| 2004 | Surya | Thakur |
| 2003 | Dil Pardesi Ho Gayaa | Brig. Sarfaroz Khan |
| 2003 | Out of Control | Jatta Singh Bedi |
| 2003 | Jaal: The Trap | Major Amrish Kaul |
| 2003 | The Hero: Love Story of a Spy | I.S.I Chief Ishak Khan |
| 2003 | Khushi | Vir Bhadra Singh |
| 2002 | Rishtey | Yashpal Chaudhary |
| 2002 | Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani | Sadhu (sage) |
| 2002 | Baba | Tantrik |
| 2002 | Shararat | Prajapati |
| 2002 | Badhaai Ho Badhaai | Mr. Chaddha |
| 2002 | Badmaash No.1 | Unknown |
| 2001 | Nayak: The Real Hero | Balraj Chauhan (Chief Minister) |
| 2001 | Yaadein... | Jagdish Kumar Malhotra |
| 2001 | Gadar: Ek Prem Katha | Ashraf Ali |
| 2001 | Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai | Balram Singh (Tau of Karan) |
| 2001 | Chori Chori Chupke Chupke | Kailashnath Malhotra |
| 2001 | Censor | Pandit Shiv Prasad (Censor Board Member) |
| 2001 | Zubeidaa | Suleiman Seth |
| 2000 | Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke | Yogvendra 'Yogi' Grewal |
| 2000 | Shaheed Uddham Singh: Alais Ram Mohammad Singh Azad | The Sufi Saint |
| 2000 | Mohabbatein | Maj. Gen. Khanna |
| 2000 | Ek Ajooba | Guruji |
| 2000 | Badal | ACP Ranjeet Singh |
| 1999 | Thakshak | Nahar Singh (Ishaan's father) |
| 1999 | Gair | C.K. Oberoi |
| 1999 | Baadshah | Suraj Singh Thaper |
| 1999 | Taal | Jagmohan Mehta |
| 1999 | Jai Hind | Ret. Col. Mohandas |
| 1999 | Zulmi | Balraj Dutt |
| 1999 | Aarzoo | Dayashankar |
| 1999 | Kaala Samrajya | Kaalkeshwar Singh |
| 1999 | Lal Baadshah | Thakur Dhayal Singh |
| 1998 | Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge! | Voice on the phone with Tiger |
| 1998 | China Gate | Col. Kewal Krishan Puri |
| 1998 | Doli Saja Ke Rakhna | Jojo Pinto |
| 1998 | Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate | Mr. Abhyankar |
| 1998 | Barood | Mr. Singhal |
| 1998 | Salaakhen | Jaspal Rana |
| 1998 | Sham Ghansham | Collector Bhim Singh |
| 1997 | Nirnayak | Pradhan Des Pandey |
| 1997 | Itihaas | Balwant |
| 1997 | Dhaal: The Battle of Law Against Law | Pilot Baba |
| 1997 | Himalay Putra | Malhotra, Seema's father (special appearance) |
| 1997 | Chachi 420 | Durgaprasad Bhardwaj |
| 1997 | Pardes | Kishorilal |
| 1997 | Tarazu | Appa Rao |
| 1997 | Virasat | Raja Thakur |
| 1997 | Mahaanta: The Film | Seth. Kedar Nath |
| 1997 | Koyla | Raja Saab |
| 1996 | Diljale | Dara |
| 1996 | Smuggler | Big man | Ratan Seth |
| 1996 | Ghatak: Lethal | Shambu Nath |
| 1996 | Beqabu | ACP Amritlal Bakshi |
| 1996 | Jeet | Gajraj Choudhary |
| 1996 | Sikander (Video) | Unknown |
| 1996 | Sardari Begum | Hemraj |
| 1996 | Jaan | Police Commisioner Suryadev Singh |
| 1996 | Tu Chor Main Sipahi | Thakur Gajendra Singh |
| 1996 | Kaalapani | Mirza Khan |
| 1996 | Vijeta | D.I.G. Jagdish Chaudhary |
| 1995 | Paappi Devataa | Ratan Seth |
| 1995 | Kartavya | Thakur Ugranarayan Singh |
| 1995 | Haqeeqat | ACP. Shivcharan |
| 1995 | Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge | Chaudhry Baldev Singh |
| 1995 | Gundaraj | Police Inspector |
| 1995 | Oh Darling Yeh Hai India | Don Qixote |
| 1995 | Hulchul | Shobraj |
| 1995 | Prem | Vanraja |
| 1995 | Maidan-E-Jung | Thakur Ranvir Singh 'Daata Guru' |
| 1995 | Jai Vikraanta | Thakur Jaswant Singh |
| 1995 | Karan Arjun | Thakur Durjan Singh |
| 1995 | Mohabbaton Ka Safar | Unknown |
| 1994 | Paramaatma | Chaudhry Rudranarayan |
| 1994 | Droh Kaal | IGP Pathak |
| 1994 | Pehla Pehla Pyar | Hukum Singh |
| 1994 | Maha Shaktishaali | Unknown |
| 1994 | Tejasvini | Lala Khurana |
| 1994 | Elaan | Ramakant Chaudhry |
| 1993 | Divya Shakti | Tau |
| 1993 | Gardish | Purshotam Kashinath Sathe |
| 1993 | Nippu Ravva | Balagam Dhanraj |
| 1993 | Sangram | Thakur Surajbhan Singh Kanwar |
| 1993 | Damini | Barrister Indrajit Chaddha |
| 1993 | Major Chandrakanth | MP Gnaeswar Rao |
| 1993 | Kundan | Thakur Shamsher Singh |
| 1993 | Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama | Ravan (voice) |
| 1992 | I Love You | Gajendra Singh |
| 1992 | Tahalka | General Dong |
| 1992 | Aswamedham | Unknown |
| 1992 | The Seventh Horse of the Sun | Mahesar Dalal |
| 1992 | Muskurahat | Former Justice Gopichand Verma |
| 1992 | Deewana | Dhirendra Pratap |
| 1992 | Zindagi Ek Juaa | Bhalla |
| 1992 | Vansh | Vilasrao Chaudhary |
| 1992 | Vishwatma | Azghar Jurhad |
| 1991 | Trinetra | Singhania |
| 1991 | Sadhu Sant | Unknown |
| 1991 | Kohraam | Unknown |
| 1991 | Mast Kalandar | Raja Sahab |
| 1991 | Garajna | Unknown |
| 1991 | Thalapathi | Kalivardhan |
| 1991 | Phool Aur Kaante | Nageshwar |
| 1991 | Dharam Sankat | Jagira |
| 1991 | Aditya 369 | Raja Varma |
| 1991 | Saudagar | Chuniya |
| 1991 | Ajooba | Vazir-E-Alla |
| 1991 | Benaam Badsha | Jaikal |
| 1991 | Iraada | Dina Nath |
| 1991 | Numbri Aadmi | Rana |
| 1991 | Jigarwala | Dhurjan Singh |
| 1991 | Mohabbat Pehli Nazar Mein | Unknown |
| 1991 | UPKAR DUDHACHE | Chhotey Thakur Raghuvir Singh |
| 1991 | Shikari: The Hunter | Nahar Singh |
| 1990 | Kaaranama | Rana |
| 1990 | Qayamat Ki Raat | Unknown |
| 1990 | Muqaddar Ka Badshaah | Vikral Singh |
| 1990 | Kishen Kanhaiya | Lala Gendamal |
| 1990 | Tejaa | Jarahwar |
| 1990 | Doodh Ka Karz | Chhotey Thakur Raghuvir Singh |
| 1990 | Aaj Ka Arjun | Thakur Bhupendra Singh |
| 1990 | Ghayal | Balwant Rai |
| 1990 | Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari | Mahadrashta |
| 1990 | Naaka Bandi | Mangal Singh | Santhal |
| 1990 | Haatim Tai | Jaadugar Kamlaq |
| 1990 | Jeene Do | Thakur Sher Bahadur Singh |
| 1990 | Kondaveeti Donga | Gadra |
| 1990 | Vidrohi | Unknown |
| 1989 | Jurrat | Kama |
| 1989 | Tujhe Nahin Chhodunga | Unknown |
| 1989 | Mera Farz | Unknown |
| 1989 | Aag Se Khelenge | Zakha |
| 1989 | Jaadugar | Mahaprabhu Jagatsagar Chintamani |
| 1989 | Nigahen: Nagina Part II | Bhairon Nath (voice, uncredited) |
| 1989 | Bharat Ek Khoj (TV Series) | Raza Khan |
| 1989 | Hisaab Khoon Ka | Ranvir Pushp |
| 1989 | Batwara | Hanumant Singh |
| 1989 | Tridev | Bhujang | Bhairav Singh |
| 1989 | Na-Insaafi | Billa |
| 1989 | Mujrim | Khan |
| 1989 | Daata | Gopaldas | G.D. Sarang |
| 1989 | Ilaaka | Nagar |
| 1989 | Farz Ki Jung | Jai Kishan (JK) |
| 1989 | Nafrat Ki Aandhi | Chandidas Khurana |
| 1989 | Do Qaidi | K.K. |
| 1989 | Suryaa: An Awakening | Gangadhar Choudhary |
| 1989 | Ram Lakhan | Bhishambar Nath |
| 1989 | Mil Gayee Manzil Mujhe | Unknown |
| 1988 | Tamas (TV Series) | Sardar Sahab |
| 1988 | Tamas | Sardar Teja Singh |
| 1988 | *Commando* | Marcelloni |
| 1988 | Mar Mitenge | Ajit Singh |
| 1988 | Hamara Khandaan | Chandraprakash Singh (Vishal's dad) |
| 1988 | Saazish | Diwan |
| 1988 | Aakhari Poratam | Anantananda Swamy |
| 1988 | Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswathi | Thakur Hansraj Singh |
| 1988 | Yateem | Dacoit Pukhiya 'Dadhu' |
| 1988 | Dayavan | Inspector Ratan Singh |
| 1988 | Janam Janam | Yuvraj Thakur Balbir Singh |
| 1988 | Rukhsat | Jagdish Chopra |
| 1988 | Mohabbat Ke Dushman | Shahbaaz Khan |
| 1988 | Waaris | Dulla Singh |
| 1988 | Khoon Bahaa Ganga Mein | Unknown |
| 1988 | Shahenshah | J.K (uncredited) |
| 1988 | Hum Farishte Nahin | Pashrutam Das | Din Dayal |
| 1987 | Dil Tujhko Diya | Mohla |
| 1987 | Inaam Dus Hazaar | Captain S.P Singh |
| 1987 | Khazana | Narrator (uncredited) |
| 1987 | Sher Shivaji | Unknown |
| 1987 | Jawab Hum Denge | Seth Dhanraj |
| 1987 | Param Dharam | Shamshera |
| 1987 | Kaun Jeeta Kaun Haara | Unknown |
| 1987 | Sadak Chhap | Dharamdas, MP |
| 1987 | Hawalaat | Seth Dharam Das |
| 1987 | Mr. India | Mogambo |
| 1987 | Dance Dance | Raja Bahadur A.M. Singh |
| 1987 | Madadgaar | Sunita's Mama |
| 1987 | Dadagiri | Bhanupratap Singh |
| 1987 | Loha | Sher 'Shera' Singh |
| 1986 | Pyar Ho Gaya | Sapna's Father |
| 1986 | Ricky | Manglu |
| 1986 | Naseeb Apna Apna | Bhim Singh |
| 1986 | Maa Ki Saugandh | Daaku Hoshiyar |
| 1986 | Mera Dharam | Thakur Digvijay Singh |
| 1986 | Nagina | Bhairon Nath |
| 1986 | Ek Aur Sikander | Sher Khan |
| 1986 | Dosti Dushmani | Unknown |
| 1986 | Asli Naqli | Durjan Singh |
| 1986 | Samundar | Raizada Narsingh |
| 1986 | Begaanaa | A.P. Lall |
| 1986 | On Wings of Fire | Nihavand ruler |
| 1986 | Janbaaz | Rana Vikram Singh |
| 1986 | Sultanat | Razoulli Al-Jabber Al-Nasser |
| 1986 | Aap Ke Saath | Persha |
| 1986 | Kaanch Ki Deewar | Bhoop Singh |
| 1985 | Aaj Ke Sholey | Balbir Gupta |
| 1985 | Paisa Yeh Paisa | Jugal |
| 1985 | Phaansi Ke Baad | Damodar Seth |
| 1985 | Patthar Dil | Rana Surajbhan Singh |
| 1985 | Khoon Aur Sazaa (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1985 | Teri Meherbaniyan | Thakur Vijay Singh |
| 1985 | Bepanaah | Madan Puri voice (voice) |
| 1985 | Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Video Game) | Mola Ram (voice) |
| 1985 | Aghaat | Chakradev |
| 1985 | Meri Jung | G.D. Thakral |
| 1985 | Zabardast | Balram Singh |
| 1985 | Mohabbat | Choudhury |
| 1985 | Karmyudh | Sohanlal Puri |
| 1984 | Bandh Honth | Unknown |
| 1984 | Gandu Bherunda | Jai |
| 1984 | Insaaf Kaun Karega | Bhanupratap |
| 1984 | Zakhmi Sher | Swami Kashinath Singh |
| 1984 | Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki | Udaybhan Singh |
| 1984 | Jhutha Sach | Kolga |
| 1984 | Awaaz | Mulchand Malhotra |
| 1984 | Jagir | Lakhan Singh | Thakur Suryapratap Singh |
| 1984 | Wah Janaab (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1984 | Duniya | Balwant Singh Kalra |
| 1984 | Gangvaa | Thakur Mahendra Singh |
| 1984 | Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom | Mola Ram |
| 1984 | Yeh Desh | Dhuliya |
| 1984 | Party | Doctor |
| 1984 | Mashaal | S.K. Vardhan |
| 1984 | Aakhir | Unknown |
| 1984 | Bhool | Unknown |
| 1983 | Haadsaa | R.K. Chakravarty |
| 1983 | Godam | (The Voice of God) |
| 1983 | Bekhabar | Unknown |
| 1983 | Hero | Pasha |
| 1983 | Coolie | John D'Costa |
| 1983 | Mandi | Darvish |
| 1983 | Ardh Satya | Faujdar Velankar |
| 1983 | Andhaa Kaanoon | Mr. Ram Gupta |
| 1983 | Nishaan | Unknown |
| 1982 | Main Intequam Loonga | Goverdhan Das 'G.D.' |
| 1982 | Vijeta | Chief Instructor Verghese |
| 1982 | Sugandh | Unknown |
| 1982 | Vidhaata | Jagawar Chaudhary |
| 1982 | Gandhi | Khan |
| 1982 | Johny I Love You | Zalim Singh |
| 1982 | Shakti | J.K. 'JK' Verma |
| 1982 | Aadat Se Majboor | Joginder Singh | Agnihotri |
| 1982 | Ashanti | Raja Bhishm Bahadur Singh |
| 1982 | Apna Bana Lo | Joshi |
| 1982 | Ek Aur Sangraam | Unknown |
| 1981 | Nai Imarat | Rajaram | Rajju |
| 1981 | Be-Shaque | Gopal (as AmrishPuri) |
| 1981 | Chann Pardesee | Jagirdaar Joginder Singh |
| 1981 | Naseeb | Don |
| 1981 | Kalyug | Kishan Chand |
| 1981 | Krodhi | Madhavan |
| 1980 | Maan Abhiman | Mathuraprasad Choudhary |
| 1980 | Patthar Se Takkar | Dr. Anand |
| 1980 | Aakrosh | Public Prosecutor Dushane |
| 1980 | Hum Paanch | Vir Pratap Singh |
| 1980 | Friendship | Balwant Singh |
| 1980 | Gehrayee | Tantric Magician |
| 1980 | Qurbani | Rakka |
| 1979 | Lakhan | Deewan Hariprasad |
| 1979 | Sawan Ko Aane Do | Chandrika's dad |
| 1979 | Iqraar | Unknown |
| 1979 | Naiyya | Pannalal |
| 1979 | Jaani Dushman | Man who kidnapped Geeta (Bride) |
| 1979 | Hamare Tumhare | General Manager |
| 1978 | Kondura (The Sage from the Sea) | Bhairavmoorthy | Kondura |
| 1978 | Bandie | Anand |
| 1978 | Hungama Bombay Ishtyle | Jaggu |
| 1977 | Rangaa Aur Raja | Unknown |
| 1977 | Alibaba Marjinaa | Jabbar |
| 1977 | Sat Sri Akal | Unknown |
| 1977 | Gyaniji | Jaalim Singh |
| 1977 | Bhumika | Vinayak Kale |
| 1977 | Paapi | Michael (voice, uncredited) |
| 1977 | Immaan Dharam | Dharam Dayal |
| 1977 | Smothered Voices | Unknown |
| 1976 | Manthan | Ganga Prasad Mishra |
| 1975 | Daaku | Daku Panna |
| 1975 | Salaakhen | Master |
| 1975 | Nishant | Eldest Zamindar |
| 1974 | Le soleil se lève à l'est (TV Mini Series) | Dixan Chand |
| 1973 | Hindustan Ki Kasam | Unknown |
| 1973 | Forest | Chandre Gowda |
| 1973 | Sone Ke Haath | Rana |
| 1971 | Hulchul | Public Prosecutor |
| 1971 | Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe | Unknown |
| 1971 | Reshma Aur Shera | Rehmat Khan |
| 1971 | Aahat - Ek Ajeeb Kahani | Unknown |
| 1970 | Prem Pujari | Jerry |
| 1967 | Maya (TV Series) | Police Chief |
