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THE ACT OF LIFE: An Autobiography
The trademark hat, booming rich baritone, intent smouldering eyes, a towering height, and an imposing presence only a dramatic description would possibly delineate this versatile painter of sinister strokes, who left a tremendous, hypnotic impact on Indian cinema. Amrish Puri, whose voice could send shivers down your spine, while his antics made you chuckle; his costumes could drive you nuts, and his one-liners ranging from Mogambo khush hua to Dong kabhi wrong nahin hota became household parlance. The industry's ace villain was credited with bringing the hitherto mundane villainy into strobe light, and lent it a pride of place on the billboard with his unmatched histrionics.
This son of the soil, born in the heart of Punjab in Naushahr, spent his formative years in the hilly regions and trekked miles in the Valley of Simla, the summer capital of British India. He followed his creative instincts in college rather surreptitiously, given the stern scrutiny of a conservative, authoritarian father. Moved to the tinsel town of Bombay in the early 1950s, where his elder siblings Chaman and Madan Puri were already groping in the glamour world and he had to write his own destiny. After initial heartbreaks, dejected as a hero aspirant, he turned to theatre and created an amazing repertoire essaying some of the most challenging roles under the aegis of stalwarts, like Ebrahim Alkazi, Satyadev Dubey, Vijay Tendulkar, Girish Karnad, Badal Sircar and Mohan Rakesh, among others. But pursuing this innate passion for stage didn't provide for livelihood; bread and butter came from the rigmarole of a clerical job in a government office. And recording advertisement jingles and radio plays extended a little icing on the cake.
The providential break on the silver screen came at an age when lesser mortals would be resolving mid-career crisis. And once again, he made a distinct mark in offbeat, parallel cinema of Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani, as he subtly transplanted the stark profundity of theatre on to celluloid. But the real litmus test was the commercial viability of his talent, as he could also rake in revenue at the box-office. Here too, he graduated with stunning performances, and became the highest paid villain breathing life into characters as the bald baddie, the cold-blooded don, the ruthless politician, the lecherous viper. The Machiavellian prince evoked the essence of evil and went on to build a treasure of excellence, whether he played a wily father or an affectionate patriarch. This star-actor became a reckoning force in both Hindi and regional films with over 300 titles in his kitty. His brilliant renditions elicited the attention of renowned Hollywood director Steven Spielberg, thus emerging on the international horizon.
The book captures poignant moments in the life of a terrific performer with the class act of a chameleon, who depicted an era that encountered the most challenging facet of blending art and commerce, seeking triumph over the paradox of playing the negative and positive, to create cinematic history. Hats off!
This son of the soil, born in the heart of Punjab in Naushahr, spent his formative years in the hilly regions and trekked miles in the Valley of Simla, the summer capital of British India. He followed his creative instincts in college rather surreptitiously, given the stern scrutiny of a conservative, authoritarian father. Moved to the tinsel town of Bombay in the early 1950s, where his elder siblings Chaman and Madan Puri were already groping in the glamour world and he had to write his own destiny. After initial heartbreaks, dejected as a hero aspirant, he turned to theatre and created an amazing repertoire essaying some of the most challenging roles under the aegis of stalwarts, like Ebrahim Alkazi, Satyadev Dubey, Vijay Tendulkar, Girish Karnad, Badal Sircar and Mohan Rakesh, among others. But pursuing this innate passion for stage didn't provide for livelihood; bread and butter came from the rigmarole of a clerical job in a government office. And recording advertisement jingles and radio plays extended a little icing on the cake.
The providential break on the silver screen came at an age when lesser mortals would be resolving mid-career crisis. And once again, he made a distinct mark in offbeat, parallel cinema of Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani, as he subtly transplanted the stark profundity of theatre on to celluloid. But the real litmus test was the commercial viability of his talent, as he could also rake in revenue at the box-office. Here too, he graduated with stunning performances, and became the highest paid villain breathing life into characters as the bald baddie, the cold-blooded don, the ruthless politician, the lecherous viper. The Machiavellian prince evoked the essence of evil and went on to build a treasure of excellence, whether he played a wily father or an affectionate patriarch. This star-actor became a reckoning force in both Hindi and regional films with over 300 titles in his kitty. His brilliant renditions elicited the attention of renowned Hollywood director Steven Spielberg, thus emerging on the international horizon.
The book captures poignant moments in the life of a terrific performer with the class act of a chameleon, who depicted an era that encountered the most challenging facet of blending art and commerce, seeking triumph over the paradox of playing the negative and positive, to create cinematic history. Hats off!
- GenresNonfictionMedia Tie In
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 27, 2017
4.5/5
बेहतरीन अनुवाद और प्रेरक जीवन।
बेहतरीन अनुवाद और प्रेरक जीवन।
October 3, 2017
Very nice book of a person who has been a perfect villain. his life ,childhood, crave for military ,missed opportunity, his experience with theater and with celebrities and all. I am happy that I got this book.
July 17, 2018
Very inspiring!
It was a very good read. A lot of discipline and effort went into Amrish Puri's performances. He was immensely dedicated to his craft.
It was a very good read. A lot of discipline and effort went into Amrish Puri's performances. He was immensely dedicated to his craft.
January 10, 2023
#The Act of Life
#Jyoti Sabharwal
*LONG REVIEW ALERT
"The way to use life Is to do nothing through acting. The way to use life Is to do everything through being."
Amrish Puri was one of its kind actors with one of its kind destiny. He is the epitome of hope and perseverance. He was the one who started his film career at the age of 42 when most had settled down in the comfort of their profession and hardly looked for a change. His struggle was immense as well. Despite having two brothers in the industry, Chaman Puri and Madan Puri, and an illustrious cousin, K.L Sehgal, and a vast experience in theatre Amrish Puri had to struggle to make his mark in the tinsel town. Mr. Puri was so practical and logical that he only left his job after six years of being established in the industry when he was sure he was no longer on shaky grounds in monetary terms.
Born to orthodox Punjabi parents where patriarchy ran supreme, life wasn't a bed of roses. There was a constant struggle to get out of the shadow of brothers who were established already. His early life bestowed him with discipline that helped him throughout his life personally and professionally.
"The great thing was that he was entirely focused; nothing distracted him, which is a quality I appreciate greatly in actors."
Throughout the book, he shows his gratitude towards his mentors, Ebrahim Alkazi and Satyadev Dubey, who were responsible for his foray and success in the theatre. Though he never forgets to highlight his own precipitous hard work. Theatre was unabashedly Mr. Puri's first love, and evidently so. He talks about various plays fondly all through the book.
"I have constructed myself stone by stone, brick by brick, inch by inch. My foundation in theatre has been laid with the mortar of sincere hard work. If you don't cheat on yourself, then time and fortune won't cheat on you. This is part of my philosophy."
Throughout the book, he fondly mentions various stars, directors, and co-stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Shyam Benegal, Dilip Kumar, and Pehlaj Nilhani. He also refers to his not-so-favorite co-stars like Raj Kumar in a subtle disapproving way for their eccentricities.
His office romance with his wife Urmila and their marriage was nothing short of an endearing tale. How he won the battle with orthodox bauji to marry the girl of his choice outside the cast in the late nineteen fifties is nothing short of a film. Throughout the book, he doesn't talk much about his family except for a reference here or there. He lights up, talking about his grandchildren.
Mr, Puri acted in about 413 films in various languages and plays. His biography contains wisdom, nuances, anecdotes, and learnings. Reading about such a legend is an institution in itself. Amrish Puri cannot be typecasted as a baddie. Actors like him bring alive any character that they play. Amrish Puri, both as a person and personality, has been etched in people's minds forever.
"Just to be a star and not an actor is very dangerous and short¬lived. I would rather be called an actor than a star."
I immensely respect him as an actor. I have grown up watching his films. Certain things in the biography did not go well with me. For most of the book, he criticizes the new generation of actors vehemently. Comparing old to the new. Change is the only constant thing; as a seasoned actor, I expected him not to pity the old constantly against the new Remembering old with nostalgia is another thing, but ranting is another.
"The leading stars and actors of yesteryears never exerted themselves to put on an act to come across on the screen. They played straight and were very effective in spite of the fact that some of them were of mediocre talent. Their sincerity and simplicity helped them to portray the characters in a befitting manner, whereas today’s generation is mostly banking on action, meaningless dancing, acrobatics and yet the result is not appealing."
Another thing absolutely miffed me was his take on infidelity. At his stature, he could have kept his thoughts to himself, but how he presented it, I found it in bad taste. He could have said that infidelity exists in every industry and should have left it at that, but he goes to press his point and to me, it's crude.
"Another interesting allegation that goes against actors is that they are womanisers. For that matter, a woman can also be called a maniser...so this is human nature and this trait exists with different people in different grades. Why? Because God has created nature like that! By nature, a lion is always accompanied by three-four lioness. A male deer is always in a group of about ten female deer. A score of female seals surround a male seal."
"Raja Dashrath ki to teen wives theen, aur hum sab pujte hain unko. Even Quran allows more than one marriage and there has to be a reason. This is, however, not restricted to cinema. In every field of life, there are people who do not want more than one woman in their life."
Nevertheless, he is an actor par excellence. He is the one who did not remain in the mold of a villain. His illustrious career is full of varied roles from black to white and grey, in fact, every color possible, Playing an iconic character like Mogambo to a vulnerable but strict father in Gardish. A non-resident Indian in Pardes, a suave businessman, falling in love with the governess in Chachi 420. A rigid patriarch in DDLJ. He was always meant to be an actor. He changed the meaning of character roles. He worked till the very last as he desired.
"The idea of retirement somehow does not appeal to me. I don’t plan to retire. Never! I enjoy the diversity of my vocation."
A life lived well both on and off the screen.
"Viewing and reviewing is an ever-going process. Slogging is the other side of success. Diligence is the flip side of fate and destiny. And this is what The Act of Life is all about – Bas Itta Sa…just this much and that’s it! If I have made any contribution to this world of theatre and cinema, it is just this much. And what have I got in return? Just this much!!!"
#Jyoti Sabharwal
*LONG REVIEW ALERT
"The way to use life Is to do nothing through acting. The way to use life Is to do everything through being."
Amrish Puri was one of its kind actors with one of its kind destiny. He is the epitome of hope and perseverance. He was the one who started his film career at the age of 42 when most had settled down in the comfort of their profession and hardly looked for a change. His struggle was immense as well. Despite having two brothers in the industry, Chaman Puri and Madan Puri, and an illustrious cousin, K.L Sehgal, and a vast experience in theatre Amrish Puri had to struggle to make his mark in the tinsel town. Mr. Puri was so practical and logical that he only left his job after six years of being established in the industry when he was sure he was no longer on shaky grounds in monetary terms.
Born to orthodox Punjabi parents where patriarchy ran supreme, life wasn't a bed of roses. There was a constant struggle to get out of the shadow of brothers who were established already. His early life bestowed him with discipline that helped him throughout his life personally and professionally.
"The great thing was that he was entirely focused; nothing distracted him, which is a quality I appreciate greatly in actors."
Throughout the book, he shows his gratitude towards his mentors, Ebrahim Alkazi and Satyadev Dubey, who were responsible for his foray and success in the theatre. Though he never forgets to highlight his own precipitous hard work. Theatre was unabashedly Mr. Puri's first love, and evidently so. He talks about various plays fondly all through the book.
"I have constructed myself stone by stone, brick by brick, inch by inch. My foundation in theatre has been laid with the mortar of sincere hard work. If you don't cheat on yourself, then time and fortune won't cheat on you. This is part of my philosophy."
Throughout the book, he fondly mentions various stars, directors, and co-stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Shyam Benegal, Dilip Kumar, and Pehlaj Nilhani. He also refers to his not-so-favorite co-stars like Raj Kumar in a subtle disapproving way for their eccentricities.
His office romance with his wife Urmila and their marriage was nothing short of an endearing tale. How he won the battle with orthodox bauji to marry the girl of his choice outside the cast in the late nineteen fifties is nothing short of a film. Throughout the book, he doesn't talk much about his family except for a reference here or there. He lights up, talking about his grandchildren.
Mr, Puri acted in about 413 films in various languages and plays. His biography contains wisdom, nuances, anecdotes, and learnings. Reading about such a legend is an institution in itself. Amrish Puri cannot be typecasted as a baddie. Actors like him bring alive any character that they play. Amrish Puri, both as a person and personality, has been etched in people's minds forever.
"Just to be a star and not an actor is very dangerous and short¬lived. I would rather be called an actor than a star."
I immensely respect him as an actor. I have grown up watching his films. Certain things in the biography did not go well with me. For most of the book, he criticizes the new generation of actors vehemently. Comparing old to the new. Change is the only constant thing; as a seasoned actor, I expected him not to pity the old constantly against the new Remembering old with nostalgia is another thing, but ranting is another.
"The leading stars and actors of yesteryears never exerted themselves to put on an act to come across on the screen. They played straight and were very effective in spite of the fact that some of them were of mediocre talent. Their sincerity and simplicity helped them to portray the characters in a befitting manner, whereas today’s generation is mostly banking on action, meaningless dancing, acrobatics and yet the result is not appealing."
Another thing absolutely miffed me was his take on infidelity. At his stature, he could have kept his thoughts to himself, but how he presented it, I found it in bad taste. He could have said that infidelity exists in every industry and should have left it at that, but he goes to press his point and to me, it's crude.
"Another interesting allegation that goes against actors is that they are womanisers. For that matter, a woman can also be called a maniser...so this is human nature and this trait exists with different people in different grades. Why? Because God has created nature like that! By nature, a lion is always accompanied by three-four lioness. A male deer is always in a group of about ten female deer. A score of female seals surround a male seal."
"Raja Dashrath ki to teen wives theen, aur hum sab pujte hain unko. Even Quran allows more than one marriage and there has to be a reason. This is, however, not restricted to cinema. In every field of life, there are people who do not want more than one woman in their life."
Nevertheless, he is an actor par excellence. He is the one who did not remain in the mold of a villain. His illustrious career is full of varied roles from black to white and grey, in fact, every color possible, Playing an iconic character like Mogambo to a vulnerable but strict father in Gardish. A non-resident Indian in Pardes, a suave businessman, falling in love with the governess in Chachi 420. A rigid patriarch in DDLJ. He was always meant to be an actor. He changed the meaning of character roles. He worked till the very last as he desired.
"The idea of retirement somehow does not appeal to me. I don’t plan to retire. Never! I enjoy the diversity of my vocation."
A life lived well both on and off the screen.
"Viewing and reviewing is an ever-going process. Slogging is the other side of success. Diligence is the flip side of fate and destiny. And this is what The Act of Life is all about – Bas Itta Sa…just this much and that’s it! If I have made any contribution to this world of theatre and cinema, it is just this much. And what have I got in return? Just this much!!!"
July 5, 2022
I have come across many good books due to #KindleUnlimited subscription. Thanks to KU came to know Amrish Puri had also written an autobiography. Not sure why this wasn't publicised much. We never knew much about Amrish Puri apart from that he is a fantastic actor, with a booming voice, as he kept his personal life private.
My first introduction to him was as Mogambo in the movie Mister India. His one liner "Mogambo Khush Hua" had become quite famous and was oft quoted.
Lately I also came to know that he was an avid theatre actor.
He has documented his early life, childhood, youth, introduction to theatre, his parents, his siblings who were already in the movies (and frowned upon by his dad), his stint and golden career in theatre, his introduction to movies (he wanted to be a hero but was told his face was too harsh) and how he ended up doing negative roles. The best part was about his work in Indiana Jones and how Spielberg was his admirer.
It's quite admirable that he made his niche both in commercial and art Cinemas. He was always a part of Shyam Benegal movies. Though he portrayed the negative parts well, he never came across as vulgar.
It's one of the most honest autobiography I have read as he does not hide truth or sugarcoat it. He tells it all. Peppered with lots of anecdotes, personal as well as professional, the autobiography is riveting. The photographs are cherry on the cake.
My first introduction to him was as Mogambo in the movie Mister India. His one liner "Mogambo Khush Hua" had become quite famous and was oft quoted.
Lately I also came to know that he was an avid theatre actor.
He has documented his early life, childhood, youth, introduction to theatre, his parents, his siblings who were already in the movies (and frowned upon by his dad), his stint and golden career in theatre, his introduction to movies (he wanted to be a hero but was told his face was too harsh) and how he ended up doing negative roles. The best part was about his work in Indiana Jones and how Spielberg was his admirer.
It's quite admirable that he made his niche both in commercial and art Cinemas. He was always a part of Shyam Benegal movies. Though he portrayed the negative parts well, he never came across as vulgar.
It's one of the most honest autobiography I have read as he does not hide truth or sugarcoat it. He tells it all. Peppered with lots of anecdotes, personal as well as professional, the autobiography is riveting. The photographs are cherry on the cake.
March 15, 2021
Fascinating stories and insights on theater, acting, passion and the world of cinema as told by one of Indian cinema's legends. Definitely worth a read.
July 15, 2022
Moving in the good way!
June 19, 2026
Excellent book
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews