Om Puri | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Om Prakash Puri (1950-10-18)18 October 1950 |
| Died | 6 January 2017(2017-01-06) (aged 66) Mumbai,Maharashtra, India |
| Alma mater | Film and Television Institute of India National School of Drama |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1972–2017 |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 1 |
| Honours | •Padma Shri (1990) •Order of British Empire (2004) |
Om Prakash Puri (18 October 1950 – 6 January 2017) was an Indian actor who appeared in mainstream commercialHindi films as well asEnglish,Punjabi,Kannada,Telugu,Malayalam,Bengali,Gujarati,Urdu, andMarathi films, as well asindependent andart films and also starred in severalinternational cinema. He is widely regarded as one of the finest actors inworld cinema.[2][3] He won twoNational Film Awards for Best Actor, twoFilmfare Awards and India's fourth highest civilian awardPadma Shri in 1990. In 2004, he was made an honorary Officer of theOrder of the British Empire.[4][5]
He is best known for his author-backed roles in films likeAakrosh (1980),Arohan (1982),Ardh Satya (1983),Disco Dancer (1982) television films likeSadgati (1981) andTamas (1987), light-hearted roles inJaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983),Chachi 420 (1997),Hera Pheri (2000),Chup Chup Ke (2006) andDhol (2007) and several mainstream commercial films throughout his career. He had various collaborations with directorShyam Benegal andGovind Nihalani.[6] Puri also appeared in non-Indian productions in the United States, Pakistan[7] and Britain.[8] In the 1990s, he appeared inMy Son the Fanatic (1997) and the comedy dramaEast Is East (1999), receiving a nomination for theBAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.[9]
Om Puri was born inAmbala, Haryana.[10] His father, Tek Chand Puri,[11] worked on the railways and in theIndian Army.[12] Puri's parents received no birth certificate and had no records, so his family was unsure of his birth date. But his mother told him he had been born two days after the Hindu festivalDussehra. When he began his schooling, his uncle chose 9 March 1950 as his "official" birthday. However, as an adult when he moved to Mumbai, Puri looked up when Dussehra was celebrated in 1950, to establish his birth date as 18 October.[13]
Puri came from an underprivileged background. When he was six years old, his father who was arailway employee was put behind bars on allegations of theft of cement. This resulted in their family becoming homeless. To make ends meet, Puri's brother, Ved Prakash Puri, worked as acoolie (railway porter) and Puri worked in a local tea shop,[14] did odd jobs and collected coal from nearby railways tracks to support his family.[15] He and his brother's children were later brought up by a maid servant, Shanti.[16]
While working, Puri continued to study. After his primary education, he joined theNational School of Drama inDelhi to study theatre acting.[17] A fellow NSD student who became a long-term friend,Naseeruddin Shah, encouraged Puri to follow him to theFilm and Television Institute of India inPoona (present-day Pune).[16][18] In an interview withThe Times of India, Puri later recounted his family was so poor that he did not have a decent shirt to wear when he joined FTII. According to Shah, Puri was disappointed by his education at FTII, and also was unable to pay tuition fees—when he became well-known, the institute followed up the debt of₹280, which Puri refused to pay due to the "impish thrill" of owing them money.[19]
Puri's first film wasChor Chor Chhup ja, a children's film. During this time, to make ends meet he also worked at the Actors' Studio, where future actors such asGulshan Grover andAnil Kapoor would be his students.[14]
Subsequently, Puri worked in numerous Indian films, as well as many films produced in theUnited Kingdom and the United States.[20]
Puri made his debut in the mainstream films genre in the 1976Marathi filmGhashiram Kotwal,[21][22] based on a Marathi play of the same name byVijay Tendulkar.[22] It was directed byK. Hariharan andMani Kaul in cooperation with 16 graduates of the FTII.[23] He has claimed that he was paid "peanuts" for his best work.[24] Along withAmrish Puri,Naseeruddin Shah,Shabana Azmi andSmita Patil, he was among the main actors who starred in what was then referred to asart films such asBhavni Bhavai (1980),Sadgati (1981),Ardh Satya (1982),Mirch Masala (1986) andDharavi (1992).
He was critically acclaimed for his performances in many unconventional roles such as a victimized tribal inAakrosh (1980);[25] Jimmy's manager inDisco Dancer (1982);[26] a police inspector inArdh Satya (1982),[26] for which he got theNational Film Award for Best Actor;[27] a humble husband inSeepeeyan (1984),[28] Vinod's uncle inZamana the leader of a cell ofSikh militants inMaachis (1996); as a tough cop again in the commercial filmGupt in 1997; and as the courageous father of a martyred soldier inDhoop (2003).
In 1999, Puri acted in aKannada filmA.K. 47 as a strict police officer who tries to keep the city safe from the underworld—it became a huge commercial hit. Puri's acting in the film is memorable. He rendered his own voice for the Kannada dialogues. In the same year, he starred in the successful British comedy-drama filmEast is East, where he played a first-generation Pakistani immigrant inNorthern England,[25] struggling to come to terms with his far more westernised children.
Puri had a cameo in the highly acclaimed filmGandhi (1982, directed byRichard Attenborough).[25][29] In the mid-1990s, he diversified to play character roles in mainstream Hindi cinema, where his roles are more tuned to mass audiences than film critics. He became known internationally by starring in many British films such asMy Son the Fanatic (1997),East Is East (1999)[26] andThe Parole Officer (2001). He appeared inHollywood films includingCity of Joy (1992),[28] oppositePatrick Swayze;[29]Wolf (1994) withJack Nicholson;[28][29] andThe Ghost and the Darkness (1996) oppositeVal Kilmer.[29] In 2007, he appeared as GeneralZia-ul-Haq inCharlie Wilson's War, which starsTom Hanks andJulia Roberts.[28]
He has worked in Hindi television serials likeKakkaji Kaheen (1988) (roughly meaning "Uncle Says") as apaan-chewing 'Kakkaji', which was a parody on politicians, andMr. Yogi (1989) as a suave 'Sutradhaar' who enjoys pulling the protagonist's leg. These two serials underlined Om Puri's versatility as a comedian. He received critical acclaim for his performance in Govind Nihalani's television filmTamas (1988)[26] based on a Hindi novel of the same name. He played comic roles in Hindi films likeJaane Bhi Do Yaaro which reached a cult status,[28] followed byChachi 420 (1997),Hera Pheri (2000),Chor Machaye Shor (2002), Deewane Hue Pagal, Chup Chup Ke, Kismet Connection andMalamaal Weekly (2006) and Oh My God. He was regular in films directed by Priyadarshan and Kamal Haasan.
His notable roles in commercial Hindi films included Drohkaal, In Custody, Narsimha, Ghayal, Mrityudand, Aastha, Hey Ram, Pyar Toh Hona Hi Tha, Farz, Gadar, Lakshya, Dev (2004), Rang De Basanti, Yuva,Singh Is Kinng,Mere Baap Pehle Aap,Billu, Kyunki, Lakshya, Dabangg, Bhaji in Problem, Khap, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ghayal Once Again. Puri was seen in the role of Mohammad Ali Kasuri inRoad to Sangam (2009). In 2010, he appeared inThe Hangman. In 2011 he was in the Indian action filmDon 2.
He has also worked in some episodes of the TV seriesAahat during the second season which was aired between 2004 and 2005 on Sony channel. Other notable television appearances includedBharat Ek Khoj,Yatra,Mr. Yogi,Kakaji Kahin,Sea Hawks,Antaral andSavdhaan India's second season.[30]
In 2014, he appeared oppositeHelen Mirren in the comedy-dramaThe Hundred-Foot Journey.[21][28] At the time of his death in January 2017, he was working on the Marathi film,15 August Bhagile 26 January.[31]
Several of his completed films released after his death includingViceroy's House andTubelight.[32]
Puri married director/writerSeema Kapoor, the sister of actorAnnu Kapoor, in 1991, but their marriage ended after eight months.[33]
In 1993, he married journalist Nandita Puri, with whom he had a son.[34][35] In 2009, Nandita wrote a biography of her husband titledUnlikely Hero: The Story of Om Puri. Upon the book's publication, Puri spoke of his anger at the inclusion of explicit details of his previous relationships.[36] In 2013, Nandita filed an allegation of domestic violence against him, and the two opted for a judicial separation shortly afterwards.[37]
His second wife reported that they kept a "secular house",[38] but that "while Om is not ritualistic, he does not mind others being so".[38] He took "solace in spiritual reading", particularly in the writings of spiritual teacherEknath Easwaran, many of whose books he shared with friends.[38] Puri seldom took politics seriously, and often found relaxation by cooking or gardening.[38] In an interview to Rajya Sabha TV in 2012, Om Puri spoke about his interest in agriculture and cooking, and suggested that his dream was to open adhaba by the name Daal Roti.[39]
During the2011 Indian anti-corruption movement launched byAnna Hazare, Puri targeted the political class by using terms like anpadh (meaning uneducated), nalayak (meaning incompetent), and 'ganwar' (a word often use to describe backward and illiterate), as well as corrupt. The comment did not go down well with members of parliament from bothLok Sabha andRajya Sabha, who sent privilege notices against Puri. He subsequently apologised for his comments, stating that it came out as he was emotionally charged during the moment.[40]
In October 2016, Puri appeared for a debate on a news channel regarding a Hindi film producer's ban on Pakistani actors after theUri attack. During the debate, he made insulting comments about Indian soldiers which led to heavy criticism on social media. However, Puri later apologised for his comments.[41]
On 6 January 2017, Puri died at the age of 66, after having aheart attack at his residence inAndheri, Mumbai.[42][43][44] He was honoured at the89th Academy Awards in memoriam segment for his contribution in world cinema.[45]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Kalla Kalla Bachitko | ||
| Chor Chor Chhupja | |||
| 1977 | Smothered Voices | ||
| Bhumika | |||
| Godhuli | Yengta | ||
| 1978 | Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan | Rajesh | |
| Bhookh | Colonel | ||
| 1979 | Shaayad | Nandlal | |
| Saanch Ko Aanch Nahin | |||
| 1980 | Sparsh | Dubey | |
| Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai | Madhu | ||
| Aakrosh | Lahanya Bhiku | Won –Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor | |
| 1981 | Hari Hondal Bargadar : Share Cropper | ||
| Kalyug | Bhavani Pandey | ||
| Shodh | Surendra | ||
| 1982 | Gandhi | Nahari | |
| Disco Dancer | David Brown | ||
| Waqt-Waqt Ki Baat | |||
| Raaste Pyar Ke | Suldev | ||
| Vijeta | Arvind | ||
| 1983 | Gumnaam Hai Koi | ||
| Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro | Ahuja | ||
| Arohan | Hari Mondal | Won –National Film Award for Best Actor | |
| Ardh Satya | Anant Velankar | Won – National Film Award for Best Actor Nominated –Filmfare Award for Best Actor | |
| Mandi | Ram Gopal | ||
| Bekaraar | |||
| Ashray | |||
| 1984 | Party | Avinash | |
| Maati Maangey Khoon | Durjan Singh | ||
| Duniya | Vasudev | ||
| Shrant | |||
| Raavan | Samant | ||
| Paar | Ram Naresh | ||
| Ram Ki Ganga | Laalu / Lal Dandhwani | ||
| Tarang | Namdev | ||
| Sheeshay Ka Ghar | |||
| Giddh | Bhashya | ||
| 1985 | Paththar | Resham Singh | |
| Zamana | Shyamlal | ||
| Bahu Ki Awaaz | Advocate Jaswant Srivastav | ||
| Holi | Principal Pandey | ||
| Nasoor | Dr Sunil | ||
| Sanjhi | Bhikhu | ||
| Aghaat | Trade Unionist | ||
| Debshishu | Poor Labourer | ||
| 1986 | Antaheen | ||
| Genesis | The weaver | ||
| New Delhi Times | Ajay Singh | ||
| 1987 | Debshishu | ||
| Mirch Masala | Abu Mian | ||
| Goraa | |||
| Susman | Ramulu | ||
| Marte Dam Tak | Daulat / D.K. | ||
| 1988 | Achanak | ||
| Hum Farishte Nahin | Gopi / Tala Master / Murlidhar | ||
| Ek Hi Maqsad | Ram Kumar Verma | ||
| 1989 | Shagun | ||
| Sava Ser Gehu | |||
| Darshana | |||
| Ilaaka | Bheema (Raja's Foster Father) | ||
| 1990 | Sankranti | ||
| Kayedi | |||
| Halaat | |||
| Ghayal | ACP Joe D'Souza | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor | |
| Disha | Parshuram 'Pagal Parsa' Sarpat | ||
| 1991 | Irada | Shankar | |
| Narsimha | Suraj Narayan Singh 'Baapji' | ||
| Meena Bazar | |||
| Antarnaad | |||
| 1992 | Karm Yodha | Sub-Inspector Patwardhan | |
| Raat | Sharji | ||
| Current | Velu | ||
| Dharavi | Rajkaran | ||
| 1993 | Aakanksha | ||
| Maya Memsaab | |||
| The Burning Season | Rajiv Sharma | ||
| Patang | Mathura | ||
| In Custody | Deven | ||
| 1994 | Ankuram | Satyam | |
| Drohkaal | DCP Abhay Singh | ||
| Purush | |||
| Triyacharitra | Billar | ||
| 1995 | Ek Ka Jawab Do | ||
| Beparoa | |||
| Zakhmi Sipahi | Om Chaudhary | ||
| Aatank Hi Aatank | Sharad Joshi | ||
| Target | Rambharosa | ||
| Tarpan | Jassu | ||
| Kartavya | Ghulam Rasul | ||
| 1996 | PremGranth | Baliram | |
| Krishna | Minister Amar Prabhakar | ||
| Maachis | Sanatan | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor | |
| Ghatak: Lethal | Sachdev | ||
| Ram Aur Shyam | D.I.G. Suryapratap Thakur | ||
| Talaashi | Inspector Puri | ||
| 1997 | Zameer: The Awakening of a Soul | Jaichand Marwah | |
| Gupt: The Hidden Truth | Inspector Udham Singh | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor | |
| Bhai | Advocate Satyaprakash | ||
| Chachi 420 | Banwari lal-Secy | ||
| Mrityudand | Rambaran Mahto | ||
| Nirnayak | Inspector Nanak | ||
| Chupp | Keshav Narang | ||
| Aastha | Amar | ||
| 1998 | Vinashak – Destroyer | Inspector Khan | |
| Zor: Never Underestimate the Force | Shah Alam | ||
| Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha | Inspector Khan | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor | |
| China Gate | Krishnakant Puri | ||
| 1999 | Khoobsurat | Dilip Chaudhary | |
| 2000 | Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge | Bhola Nath | |
| Pukar | Colonel Hussein | ||
| Hey Ram | Subhash Goel | ||
| Hera Pheri | Khadak Singh | ||
| Kunwara | Balraj Singh | ||
| Kurukshetra | Baburao Deshmukh | ||
| Ghaath | Ajay Pandey | ||
| Zindagi Zindabad | |||
| Bas Yaari Rakho | Tom | ||
| 2001 | Farz | ACP Arjun Singh | |
| Zahreela | Arun Dev | ||
| Gadar: Ek Prem Katha | Narrator | ||
| Indian | Joginder Singh | ||
| Deewaanapan | Prakash Saxena - Suraj's dad | ||
| Is Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon | |||
| 2002 | Pitaah | Thakur Avadh Narayan Singh | |
| Maa Tujhhe Salaam | Narrator | Voice | |
| Kranti | Col. Krishnakanth | ||
| Ansh: The Deadly Part | Bhagat Pandey | ||
| Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai | S. Puri | ||
| Awara Paagal Deewana | Ballu Bolbachan | ||
| Shararat | DCP Bhosle | ||
| Chor Machaaye Shor | DCP Pandey | ||
| Guru Mahaaguru | Crocodile | ||
| Ghaav: The Wound | Inspector Gautam | ||
| 2003 | Aapko Pehle Bhi Kahin Dekha Hai | Sam | |
| Kash Aap Hamare Hote | Yashwant Raj Mankotia | ||
| Ek Aur Ek Gyarah: By Hook or by Crook | Narrator | Uncredited | |
| Miss India: The Mystery | Inspector Yograj | ||
| Maqbool | Inspector Pandit | ||
| Chupke Se | Qasim Khan Qayamat | ||
| Kagaar: Life on the Edge | Sub-Inspector Gokhale | ||
| Dhoop | Father of Dead Military Man | ||
| Pyaar Kiya Nahin Jaata | Om Prakash Khurana | ||
| 2004 | Yuva | Prosonjit Bhatacharya | |
| Aan: Men at Work | Police Commissioner Khurana | ||
| Dev | Special Commissioner Tejinder Khosla | ||
| Lakshya | Subedar Maj. Pritam Singh | ||
| Kyun! Ho Gaya Na... | Amit Khanna | ||
| King of Bollywood | Karan Kumar | ||
| AK-47 | Commissioner Yashwant Sinha | ||
| Stop! | Anand Mehra | ||
| 2005 | Zinda Dil | ||
| Kisna: The Warrior Poet | Jumman Miya | ||
| Mumbai Xpress | ACP S.P. Rao | ||
| Mangal Pandey: The Rising | Narrator | ||
| Amar Joshi Shahid Ho Gaya | Writer | ||
| Kyon Ki | Dr. Khurana | ||
| Deewane Huye Paagal | Mehboob / Scientist Khurana | ||
| The Hangman | Shiva Sathe | ||
| 2006 | Rang De Basanti | Amanullah Khan | |
| Baghi | Haakam Singh | ||
| Malamaal Weekly | Balwant 'Balu' | ||
| Chup Chup Ke | Prabhat Singh Chauhan | ||
| Baabul | Balwant Kapoor | ||
| Don: The Chase Begins Again | CBI Officer Vishal Malik | ||
| 2007 | Khallas: The Beginning of End | A.C.P. Akhlaq Khan | |
| Delhii Heights | Timmy Kohli | ||
| Panga Naa Lo | Kartar Singh | ||
| Fool & Final | Father of Rahul / Raja | ||
| Buddha Mar Gaya | Vidyut Baba / Vidya | ||
| Victoria No. 203 | Rana | ||
| Dhol | Tripathi | ||
| Dum Kaata | Ranade / Aabu | ||
| Shoot on Sight | Junaid | ||
| Welcome | Narrator | ||
| 2008 | Yaariyan | Jagpal Bir 'J.B.' Singh | |
| Lovesongs: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow | Aftab Jaffrey | ||
| Mere Baap Pehle Aap | Madhav Mathur | ||
| Kismat Konnection | Sanjeev Gill | ||
| Money Hai Toh Honey Hai | Narrator | ||
| Singh Is Kinng | Rangeela | ||
| Mukhbiir | SP Intelligence — Rathod | ||
| Maharathi | ACP Gokhale | ||
| 2009 | Chal Chala Chal | Omkar Nath | |
| Billu | Sahukaar Daamchand | ||
| Delhi-6 | Madan Gopal Sharma | ||
| Baabarr | Daroga Chaturvedi | ||
| London Dreams | Arjun's uncle | ||
| Life Goes On | Alok | ||
| Kurbaan | Bhaijaan | ||
| Bolo Raam | Inspector Indrajeet Singh Rathi | ||
| 2010 | Road to Sangam | Mohammad Ali Kasuri | |
| Na Ghar Ke Na Ghaat Ke | Sankata Prasad Tripathi | ||
| Kushti | Jiten Singh | ||
| Dabangg | Inspector Kasturilal Vishkarma | ||
| Action Replayy | Rai Bhahadur | ||
| 2011 | Teen Thay Bhai | Chixie Gill | |
| Kucch Luv Jaisaa | Madhu's Father | ||
| Love Express | Khadak Singh Bakshi | ||
| Bin Bulaye Baraati | Sub Inspector Pralay Pratap Singh | ||
| Khap | Sarpanch | ||
| Don 2: The King is Back | CBI Officer Vishal Malik | ||
| Society Kaam Se Gayi | |||
| 2012 | Agneepath | Additional Commissioner Gaitonde | |
| Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya | Chaudhary | ||
| Chaar Din Ki Chandni | Fatoor Singh | ||
| Mere Dost Picture Abhi Baaki Hai | Baig Saab | ||
| Krishna Aur Kans | Kans | Voice | |
| Son of Flower | Munshi Pyare Lal Suman | ||
| Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal | David | ||
| OMG: Oh My God! | Hanif Qureshi | ||
| Chakravyuh | Govind Suryavanshi | ||
| 2013 | Policegiri | Commissioner | |
| The Lovers | Uncredited | ||
| 2014 | Heartless | Sanjay Trehan | |
| Bazaar E Husn | Kishan Chand | ||
| Aa Gaye Munde U.K. De | Daleep Singh Dhillon | ||
| Little Terrors | Abdul-Wadood Kamil | ||
| 2015 | Jai Jawaan Jai Kisaan | Dr. Rajendra Prasad | |
| Dirty Politics | Laddu Babu aka Sai Kumar Konakandla | ||
| Jai Ho Democracy | Pandeyji | ||
| Uvaa | Hukum Pratap Choudhary | ||
| Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho | Matang Singh | ||
| Bajrangi Bhaijaan | Moulana Sahab | ||
| Welcome Back | Narrator | Voice | |
| Hogaya Dimaagh Ka Dahi | Mirza Kishan Singh Joseph | ||
| 2016 | Ghayal Once Again | ACP Joe D'Souza | |
| Project Marathwada | Tukaram | ||
| Waarrior Savitri | Yamraj | ||
| A Death in the Gunj | O.P Bakshi | ||
| Mirzya | Munna (Lauhar) | ||
| Gandhigiri | Rai Saheb | ||
| Yeh Hai Lollipop | Masoom | ||
| Chaar Sahibzaade: Rise of Banda Singh Bahadur | Narrator | ||
| Chapekar Brothers | Bal Gangadhar Tilak[46] | ||
| 2017 | Prakash Electronic | Narrator[47] | |
| The Ghazi Attack | Admiral V.S. Nanda | Posthumous release | |
| Tubelight | Banne Chacha | Posthumous release | |
| Mr. Kabaadi | Channulal Surmewala | Posthumous release | |
| 2018 | Lashtam Pashtam | Saleem | Posthumous release |
| 2019 | The Gandhi Murder | T.G., Director General of Police | Posthumous release |
| 2020 | Gul Makai | GeneralAshfaq Parvez Kayani | Posthumous release |
| Omprakash Zindabaad | Rambhajjan | Posthumous release[48] | |
| 2023 | Khela Hobe | Fareek Bhai | Posthumous release[49] |
| TBA | 2006 Varanasi – The Untold | Posthumous release; Completed; Unreleased[50][51] |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Sam & Me | Chetan Parikh | |
| 1992 | City of Joy | Hazari Pal | |
| 1994 | Wolf | Dr. Vijay Alezias | |
| 1995 | Brothers in Trouble | Hussein Shah | |
| 1996 | The Ghost and the Darkness | Abdullah | |
| 1997 | My Son the Fanatic | Parvez | |
| 1998 | Such a Long Journey | Ghulam Mohamed | |
| 1999 | East Is East | George Khan | Nominated –BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role |
| 2001 | The Parole Officer | George | |
| Happy Now? | Tin Man | ||
| The Zookeeper | the Vet | ||
| The Mystic Masseur | Ramlogan | ||
| Bollywood Calling | Subramaniam | ||
| 2003 | Code 46 | Bahkland | |
| 2007 | Charlie Wilson's War | Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq | |
| 2010 | West Is West | George Khan | |
| 2012 | The Reluctant Fundamentalist | Abu | |
| 2014 | The Hundred-Foot Journey | Papa Kadam | |
| 2015 | Trafficker | Supreme Court Judge | Singaporean Thai film |
| 2016 | A Million Rivers | Shiv | [52][53] |
| 2017 | Viceroy's House | Ali Rahim Noor | Posthumous release[54] |
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Ghashiram Kotwall | Ghashiram | Marathi | |
| 1980 | Chann Pardesi | Tulsi | Punjabi | |
| Bhavni Bhavai | Maanav Bhagat | Gujarati | ||
| 1982 | Naseeb Ni Balihari | |||
| 1983 | Chokh | Jadunath | Bengali | |
| 1986 | Long Da Lishkara | Dittu | Punjabi | |
| 1988 | Puravrutham | Raman | Malayalam | |
| 1992 | Raatri | Sharji | Telugu | |
| Ankuram | Parvez Hussain | |||
| 1999 | A.K.47 | Commissioner Yashwant Sinha | Kannada Telugu | |
| 2002 | Dhruva | Pratap Singh | Kannada | |
| 2013 | Jatt Boys Putt Jattan De | Jora Vailly | Punjabi | |
| Bhaji in Problem | Mr. Dhingra | |||
| 2014 | Chaar Sahibzaade | Narrator | Voice | |
| 2015 | Leather Life | |||
| Buniyaad | Bapuji | |||
| 2016 | Aadupuliyattam | Muni | Malayalam | Nominated –IIFA Utsavam for Performance in a Supporting Role – Male |
| Actor In Law | Rafaqat Mirza | Urdu | [55] | |
| 2017 | Tiger | Oriya | Kannada | Posthumous release |
| 2018 | Load Wedding | Raja's Father | Urdu Punjabi | Posthumous release |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Sadgati | Dukhi | Television film |
| 1984 | The Jewel in the Crown | Mr De Souza | British series[56] |
| 1985 | Khandaan | ||
| 1988 | Bharat Ek Khoj | Various characters | [56] |
| Kakaji Kahin | Kakaji | [56] | |
| Tamas | Nathu | Television film[56] | |
| 1988–1989 | Mr. Yogi | Narrator | [56] |
| 1993–1994 | Kirdaar | Various characters | [57] |
| 1994 | Woh Chokri | Television film | |
| 1997 | Aahat | Randhir magician | 1 episode |
| Sea Hawks | Uncle Sam | [58] | |
| 1999 | Antaral | Shreevee | |
| 2001 | CID | Joe Santose | episodes: The Case of Counterfeit Cop Part I and II |
| 2002 | Achanak 37 Saal Baad | Narrator | episode 1 opening scene narration |
| White Teeth | Samad Miah Iqbal | British TV serial | |
| 2002–2003 | Jasoos Vijay | Presenter | |
| 2003 | Second Generation | Sharma | Television film |
| The Canterbury Tales | Jetender | British series | |
| 2013 | Hum Ne Li Hai... Shapath | ACP Vishvanath | Cameo |
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Best Actor | Arohan | Won[60] |
| 1984 | Ardh Satya | Won[61] | |
| 1981 | Best Supporting Actor | Aakrosh | Won |
| 1984 | Best Actor | Ardh Satya | Nominated |
| 1991 | Best Supporting Actor | Ghayal | Nominated |
| 1992 | Best Performance in a Negative Role | Narsimha | Nominated |
| 1997 | Best Supporting Actor | Maachis | Nominated |
| 1998 | Best Performance in a Comic Role | Chachi 420 | Nominated |
| Best Supporting Actor | Gupt: The Hidden Truth | Nominated | |
| 1999 | Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha | Nominated | |
| 2009 | Lifetime Achievement Award | Won[62] | |
| 2000 | Best Actor in a Leading Role | East Is East | Nominated |
| 1984 | Best Actor | Ardh Satya | Won |
{{cite web}}:|last= has generic name (help)
