Mumbai’s entertainment scene has always been alive with tales of camaraderie and rib-tickling antics among its stars. In a recent episode of the talk show ‘From Effort to Success,’ the late legendary actor Om Puri delighted audiences by sharing some unforgettable stories from his golden days with fellow artists.
The host dove right into the fun, teasing Om about rumors that he was Amrish Puri’s brother—a claim he quickly debunked. But the real laughter erupted when the conversation turned to Om’s impeccable impression of Amrish Puri’s booming voice and his playful interactions with Naseeruddin Shah’s wife, Ratna, and actress Geeta Vashist.
Om recounted his first prank with glee. ‘I called Naseeruddin Shah’s home one day, and Ratna picked up,’ he began, his eyes twinkling. Posing innocently, he asked for Naseer. When she said she’d fetch him, Om switched to Amrish’s gravelly tone: ‘Hey brother, call me home sometimes, feed me once in a while!’ Ratna was fooled until Om burst into laughter, revealing himself.
The stories didn’t stop there. Om shared another gem involving Geeta Vashist. She had invited him for her birthday party that evening. Later, calling to confirm the time, Om found her answering machine. Seizing the moment, he left a message in Amrish Puri’s voice: ‘Why remember me, sister? Happy birthday anyway. Call who you want—we’ve worked together.’
Geeta, thrilled by the ‘personal’ message, frantically searched for Amrish’s number and called him. ‘Puri ji, you’re so sweet! Come to my birthday tonight,’ she urged. Amrish, baffled, demanded to know why. When Geeta mentioned the message, he exploded: ‘What message? That must be Om! I didn’t leave any. But happy birthday anyway.’
These anecdotes highlighted the lighthearted bond Om shared with his peers, a camaraderie that’s rarer in today’s industry. Fans cherished hearing these insider tales, a reminder of the warmth behind the silver screen. Om Puri’s infectious laughter lives on through such memories, making every retelling a celebration of Bollywood’s fun-loving spirit.