Of grey shades & grey cells

Jasmine Singh

He is full of it right now...He is aware, he is hurt, he is concerned, he is angry and today, he is vocal about it. Actor Om Puri, almost 300 films old, has seen life changing many colours, but what has remained the same over the years is the ‘system.’

“Other countries that have seen war, have managed to resurrect themselves beautifully, our country on the other hand is still stuck with same problems, electricity, corruption. When are we getting over it, when does our country move ahead really? Look at Punjab, it has seen good and bad times, managed to push the bad back, but now the entire state is under the drug menace. Something needs to be done about it,” the concerned look on face, the rising pitch in his voice adds gravity to his statement.

Om Puri in Chandigarh for a Ru Ba Ru session where he has plenty to talk about—his upcoming film Hogaya Dimaagh Ka Dahi, his choice of films, and of course –the system. He takes it up, one at a time…dealing with the dimaag ka dahi problem.

“Oh yes, I took up this film because I was really impressed with the director, Fauzia Arshi. She is multi-talented— she is a writer, a singer and with this film she also makes her debut as a director. I was totally impressed with these credentials and her positive aura,” shares Om Puri, who describes his role in the film.

“I play Mirza Kishan Singh Joseph in the film. My character is tough and entertaining. I love the character also because he does a lot of shayari.”

Om Puri is going strong with his international projects and Bollywood ones too. Recently, he returned from Jaisalmer where he was shooting for Gurinder Chaddha’s film.

Om Puri plays a freedom fighter in the film, and today he is wearing the character on his sleeve! “This film is emotionally and historically pretty strong,” adds the actor, who handles every question, with a bit of concern. Om Puri is one prolific actor who has worked with many new directors, taken up films which were issue-based, some which were meant for pure entertainment, and some that have been made on a small budget.

“The small budget films don’t have bigger names from the industry, they have a strong concept, and if the director manages to convince me on the role and the script and I am paid decently, I don’t mind doing this kind of cinema. These films are like Hrishikesk Mukherjee genre. People still love to watch them.”

Looking at the deep set marks on his face, the swiftness in his mannerism, one can’t help but dropping the name Ardh Satya, a film he will always be remembered for. “It is a story that can be made even today, it’s an honest man formula film,” he shares as the zing in his voice gets slightly muffled as the concerns of the system loom large on his mind today!

[email protected]