Veteran character actor Amrish Puri died on January 12 of a brain hemorrhage.

Mr. Puri died at the Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday following prolonged illness, hospital sources said. The actor, who was recently seen in Abbas-Mastan's 'Aitraaz' and Priyadarshan's 'Hulchul', made his screen debut in 1971 with Sunil Dutt's 'Reshma Aur Shera'.

Younger brother of the late screen villain and character artist Madan Puri, Amrish Puri was known for his signature deep baritone and his versatility as an actor.

Shyam Benegal let Mr. Puri’s talent shine in films like 'Nishaant', 'Manthan' and my personal favorite, 'Bhoomika'. He got accolades for his role as Om Puri’s father in Govind Nikhalani’s ‘Ardh Satya’.

Steven Spielberg had Mr. Puri act in 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' but the film that brought him the most fame was 'Mr. India' where he played a heinous (though laughable) villain Mogambo. 'Mogambo Khush Hua', is one of the most famous Bollywood lines up there with 'Arey Oh Sambha', uttered by the late great Amjad Khan in 'Sholay'.

His popularity and demand as a character artist grew after his role as Kajol’s dad in 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge' where he popularized, for youngsters the old Mannadey hit  'O meri Zohra Zabeen’.

Mr. Puri was 72 and leaves behind his wife, a son and a daughter.

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