| Strength of OM |
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Be it an intense Aakrosh or Ardh Satya, a light hearted Hera Pheri or the current highest grosser Dabangg Om Puri has never failed to entertain his audience for over 30 years in parallel, mainstream as well as international cinemas. His repertoire includes many Hollywood films like City Of Joy with Patrick Swayze, Charlie Wilson's War with Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, Wolf with Jack Nicholson, The Ghost and the Darkness with Val Kilmer and many more. Puri believes balancing passion and professionalism helps an actor to keep working at the promise made to the audience, no matter what challenges one might encounter in the process… Parallel Cinema: "It has come to a position where mainstream cinema has taken over parallel cinema. Stars these days are not happy with just rewards; they also want awards, Padma Shri, National Awards. There are parallel films being produced but most of them have mainstream actors. I think it is far more challenging to keep bringing in new actors to parallel cinema rather than having mainstream actors starring in them." Passion versus Professionalism: "Both are very important, I believe they are two sides of the same coin. I am a trained actor, (National School Of Drama, Film and Television Institute India). In my opinion, trained actors are versatile. One needs to have the basic aptitude; training can only enhance those dormant passions. I also feel when an actor is untrained, he or she tends to look the same in every film." Sustaining Success: "If you are doing well, your work is appreciated, it gives you a boost. On the other hand, if your work is criticised you might feel the opposite. It is mentioned in the Gita, also many learned people say that one should stay balanced in every situation, happiness as well as in sorrow. You tend to look up, try looking down. By adopting that feeling, telling yourself, this state of mind is not going to stay there (forever). Make an effort. Self-motivation, I would add is another key factor. But it depends from person to person." On Awards: "For an actor, award is one of the motivating factors, these days none of the awards are genuine. National Award is trying to please Bollywood." On Character Actors: "Our film industry does not have much work for character actors. It is mostly hero-oriented. Hollywood has two aspects; they make movies like Kramer vs. Kramer as well as Star Wars. With filmmakers like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Vishal Bharadwaj, Rakyesh Mehra and others, there is some hope in Bollywood too. I feel if people start rejecting mainstream films, character oriented films might get a chance." Co-Stars: "In my opinion an actor is not supposed to miss any co-star. I feel comfortable working with all my co-stars, provided the other person is a good performer. It is always good for you to get a better performer alongside you. It helps an actor to give his/her best." This one is for… Canada "I love Canada. I have been coming here for many years now. I shot in Calgary for two movies. I have been to Montreal, Vancouver. I find people in Canada don't complain, they move around freely without any fear. My favourite city is Vancouver. I love it." |
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