Indian actor Om Puri, whose repertoire as an actor reflected a rare realism and was popular for films like “East Is East”, “Gandhi”, “City of Joy” and “Wolf”, was honoured at the 89th Academy Awards ceremony here in the “In Memoriam” montage.

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Om Puri, who died after a heart attack in Mumbai, India in January earlier this year, got a musical tribute by Grammy and Tony-nominated singer and songwriter Sara Bareilles.

Bareilles delivered a special performance of the Joni Mitchell song “Both sides now”. A visibly emotional actress Jennifer Aniston introduced the memoriam segment.

Om Puri was remembered at the awards ceremony, which was held at the Dolby Theatre here on Sunday.

He was included in the annual montage along with Carrie Fisher, Prince, Gene Wilder, Michael Cimino, Patty Duke, Garry Marshall, Anton Yelchin, Mary Tyler Moore, Curtis Hanson and John Hurt.

Bareilles created an emotional moment as she rendered the song in memory of all the departed souls. While not in the video presentation, actor Bill Paxton, who died the night before, was mentioned by Aniston before Bareilles took the stage.

Om Puri was known for his deep baritone and different acting style, as well as craggy, pockmarked but distinctive face. He had an affinity towards socially relevant cinema.

A National School of Drama alumnus, Om Puri nurtured an international career, which started with a cameo in Richard Attenborough’s iconic “Gandhi”.

Among some of his British films were “My Son the Fanatic”, “East Is East” and “The Parole Officer”. He also appeared in Hollywood films including “City of Joy”, “Wolf” and “The Ghost and the Darkness”.

A Padma Shri awardee and National Award-winner, Om Puri was also made the honorary officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to the British film industry.

–IANS

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson has rejected as “outrageous allegations” comments doing the rounds in the Pakistani press that actor Om Puri, who died recently, was “murdered as part of a political conspiracy”.

BJP spokesperson Shaina NC said the Pakistani press needs to exercise restraint. “First, Om Puri was our national treasure. His death is none of their business. Secondly, even if they make it their business they should get their facts right and not make wild outrageous allegations supported by absolutely ridiculous arguments, she said.

The spokesperson further said: “We in India believe in a free and fair press. Not a free-for-all press.”

Reports in print and television media in Pakistan claimed that Om Puri was “smothered to death with a pillow.” There was some speculation in India at the time of Om Puri’s death that he may not have died of a heart attack, as stated. An unverified report said his body had been found naked with an injury mark on the back of his head.

Some reports in the Pakistani press, without giving any evidence, said that Salman Khan and Fawad Khan are likely to be killed next.

The claim of “murder” by the Pakistani media is based on the assertion that Om Puri was against the Narendra Modi government.

However, this is not true. Om Puri had spoken out against boycotting of Pakistani artistes after the Uri attack in Jammu and Kashmir in September last year and he had once spoken against sacrifices by Indian soldiers. But he later regretted those remarks (“Did we force them to join the army?”). He has not said anything against the Modi government.

He was also subjected to vicious trolling because of the remarks on Indian soldiers.

On a television show when Om Puri was queried about his comments on the soldiers and asked whether he was anti-national, he got very emotional and said he would never participate in a television debate again.

He explained that during another television debate he was asked a question. “I was answering. In the middle of my answer, they asked me about soldiers and in irritation I said what I did. It was wrong. Terribly wrong of me to disrespect our soldiers. I pronounce myself guilty,” he said.

He said being sorry was not enough and he was willing to go to jail because of the comment if the government decided to punish him. Later, he visited the families of soldiers killed in the Uri attack and offered help to the children.

About banning Pakistani artistes, he said that “people in our country are angry. Let the Pakistanis stay away for a while. But the Indian government is quiet over the issue. Let the Indian government decide to send back all artistes, entrepreneurs and people visiting their relatives from Pakistan.”.

He had also recalled his own pleasant visits to Pakistan. “I’ve been to Pakistan six times. Each visit has been pleasant and rewarding. Everywhere I went, I was accorded great respect and love,” he told this correspondent a month ago.

He had also expressed respect for Modi. “We may not agree with some of his policy decisions. But we cannot deny his integrity and honesty of purpose,” he had said.

–IANS

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Breaking News : Bollywood loses another gem as Veteran actor Om puri passes away at the age of 66 due to a massive heart attack at his residence. Om Puri’s friends and colleagues from Bollywood reached his Andheri residence to pay their last respects to the actor. Puri’s body was taken to Cooper hospital for postmortem, following which the funeral will take place.

The news came as a shock to film fratenity and fans.

Prime minister Shri Narendra Modi and others condoled his death on social media platform Twitter : –

The Prime Minister condoles the passing away of actor Om Puri & recalls his long career in theatre & films.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 6, 2017

Sad to hear about the passing away of the very talented Om Puri, my co-actor in many films…heartfelt condolences to the family. #RIP — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 6, 2017

So long Omji. Prided myself on being his friend peer & admirer. Who dare say my Om Puri is no more ? He lives through his work.

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) January 6, 2017

May his soul Rest in Peace

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Watch out for the new film, contemporary version of the Sati Savitri – ‘Warrior Savitri’. In the upcoming action drama the role of Yamraaj is played by veteran actor Om Puri. And the title character of Savitri is played by Niharica Raizada, grand daughter of the legendary music composer O.P. Nayyar. Rajat Barmecha plays the character of Satyavaan.

Director Param Gill has also composed the music of the film with singers Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shaan and Shalmali Kholgade lending their voice.