Veteran actor Om Puri always knew how to impress his audience, no matter the requirement of the role. Whether it was Khadak Singh’s comic role in Hera Pheri, or his powerful voiceover of Bagheera in The Jungle Book, the actor continued to enthuse viewers throughout the course of his four-decade-long career.

On his death anniversary, we take a look at the Padma Shri actor’s most pivotal roles.

1. Malamaal Weekly

Om Puri had a way with comedy, craftily shapeshifting himself into comic and melodramatic characters. In Malamaal Weekly, a 2006 comedy film, the late actor plays the character of Balwant aka Ballu. As a lottery vendor realises the lottery winner is dead, a group of villagers decide to claim the lottery by disguising Ballu as the lottery winner.

2. Hera Pheri

A must-watch for comedy fans, this comic classic is a story of two tenants and a landlord who devise a ransom plan. Om Puri plays the character of Khadak Singh, a man who returns to the city in need of his borrowed money but keeps getting stood up by one of the tenants. His character is packed with humour, emotions and a longing for his loaned money.

Also Read: 21 years of ‘Hera Pheri’: Relive the iconic trio with this 55-second clip

3. Maachis

This 1996 film is a political thriller featuring Om Puri as Sanatan, who helps the protagonist, Kripal, into understanding what it takes for an ordinary man to become a vengeful rebel. The film has many pivotal scenes, including this one. The movie revolves around the Punjab insurgency and its violent and tragic history.

4. Narsimha

This 1991 film offered Bollywood one of the most feared villains of all times. Baapji, a character played by Om Puri, is a powerful crime lord in the city. Surrounded by wealth and power, Baapji uses Narsimha, the protagonist, as a weapon for his continued reign over the city. After a series of conflicts, the two characters begin their full-fledged rivalry, making the viewer sit on the edge of their seat throughout the film.

Also Read: Greatest TV presenter: Tributes pour in for veteran journalist Vinod Dua

5.  Charlie Wilson’s War

Om Puri’s acting prowess created ripples far west, and the veteran actor was a part of many international films, including the 2007 film, Charlie Wilson’s War. Starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts in lead roles, the film revolves around a congressman and a CIA operative who aim to help Afghan troops against the Soviets. The film also has Om Puri, who portrayed the role of the former President of Pakistan, Zia-ul-Haq. Despite the brief supporting role, Om Puri made sure his character was witty and powerful.