Om Puri was one of Indian cinema’s most versatile actors, celebrated for his powerful performances, distinctive voice and ability to bring authenticity to a wide range of characters. Equally memorable was his unpretentious personality and sense of humour, which could turn an ordinary conversation into an unforgettable moment.

On his birth anniversary, I am reminded of a particularly amusing incident from one of my interviews with the legendary actor. Having attended several of his film shoots and interviewed him on multiple occasions, I had become familiar to him. One such meeting gave me a memory that still brings a smile to my face.

The Day Om Puri Spoke About His Unusual Double Role

The incident took place one day when I visited Shakti Samanta’s Aradhana Dubbing Studio at Seth Studio. Om Puri was recording his dialogue for the film Guru Mahaguru, directed by T. L. V. Prasad.

The film’s producer, Alok Srivastava, had reportedly made the actor’s full and final payment that day. Om Puri was in a cheerful mood, and after exchanging greetings, I began interviewing him.

My opening question was straightforward:

“Om ji, could you tell us something about your character in the film?”

He took a deep breath and answered with complete confidence:

“Mine is a double role in this film. Yes, mera isme double role hai, par yeh routine type ka double role nahi hai. Yeh aisa double role hai jo duniya mein kisi bhi actor ne play nahi kiya hoga. I repeat, yeh pehla aisa double role hai jo duniya mein kisi bhi actor ne nahi kiya hoga.”

In English, he was claiming that his double role was unlike anything any actor in the world had ever performed.

His emphatic statement caught me off guard. I wondered how a film directed by T. L. V. Prasad could feature a double role so extraordinary that no actor in the history of world cinema had ever attempted it.

Seeing my puzzled expression, Om Puri decided to explain.

The Punchline That Left Us Both Laughing

With the same confidence, he continued:

“Mein jo keh raha hoon, sach keh raha hoon. Iss double role mein dono character ka chehra same hai, kad-kathi bhi same hai aur awaaz bhi same hai. Yeh pehla aisa double role hai jisme dono character ke chehre ke chicken pox ke nishan bhi same hai!”

In English, both characters had the same face, the same build, the same voice—and even the same chickenpox scars on their faces.

For a moment, the elaborate claim became clear. Om Puri was making fun of the very idea of his double role, pointing out that the two characters naturally shared all these physical features because they were being played by the same actor.

He burst into laughter, and I immediately joined him.

What began as a seemingly serious discussion about an extraordinary acting challenge had turned into a wonderfully playful joke. His delivery was so convincing that he had managed to build up the suspense before revealing the simplest possible punchline.

Om Puri’s Wit and Ability to Laugh at Himself

What made the incident memorable was not merely the joke itself, but the actor’s willingness to poke fun at himself.

Om Puri was widely respected for his ability to portray complex, layered characters on screen. Yet, in that moment, there was no trace of the seriousness often associated with a celebrated performer. He was relaxed, playful and perfectly willing to make himself the subject of a joke.

His response also reminded me that a sense of humour does not require elaborate punchlines. Sometimes, the simplest observation, delivered with impeccable timing, can create the biggest laugh.

I praised his sportsmanship and his ability to laugh at himself. It was a brief interaction, but it revealed a lighter side of an actor whose contribution to Indian and international cinema was immense.

Remembering Om Puri Beyond the Screen

Om Puri was born on October 18, 1950, and passed away on January 6, 2017. Over a career spanning decades, he earned recognition for his work in Indian parallel cinema, mainstream Hindi films and international productions.

His performances in films such as Ardh Satya, Aakrosh and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, along with his appearances in international projects, demonstrated his remarkable range as an actor.

But memories of artists are not formed by their performances alone. Sometimes, a shared laugh, an unexpected remark or a few minutes of candid conversation stays with us just as vividly as a memorable scene on screen.

For me, this interview at Aradhana Dubbing Studio remains one such memory. Om Puri’s humorous explanation of his supposedly unprecedented double role captured his wit and his ability to make an ordinary moment special.

You are missed, Om ji. Wherever you are, may you be at peace. 🙏