Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Om Puri dead: Bollywood superstar dies aged 66 after decades in Indian, British and American films

India's PM Narendra Modi leads tributes to late actor after suspected heart attack

Ryan Wilkinson
Friday 06 January 2017 02:20 EST
Comments
Bollywood star Om Puri dies aged 66

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led tributes to Bollywood actor Om Puri, star of cult British film East Is East, who has died aged 66.

The prolific actor whose career spanned four decades suffered a heart attack after returning home from a film set on Thursday, according to Indian media reports.

Puri won plaudits for his portrayal of a tough but loving Pakistani patriarch in the 1999 comedy drama East Is East and was nominated for a best actor Bafta.

He went on to appear in the critically acclaimed television adaptation of White Teeth in 2002 and was awarded an honorary OBE in 2004.

More recently Puri starred alongside Dame Helen Mirren in the 2014 comedy The Hundred-Foot Journey.

His death was announced by Bollywood director Ashoke Pandit on Friday, who tweeted that he was “sad and shocked”.

Mr Modi's office later tweeted: “The Prime Minister condoles the passing away of actor Om Puri & recalls his long career in theatre & films.”

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in