In the illustrious world of Bollywood, certain moments define careers and create lasting legacies. One such moment occurred when the legendary Dilip Kumar recommended the iconic Amrish Puri for a role that would forever alter the course of his career. This role was that of Raja Thakur in the 1997 film Virasat, directed by Priyadarshan.
The Role That Defied Expectations
Amrish Puri, widely recognized as Bollywood’s quintessential villain, made an indelible mark with his portrayal of Mogambo in Boney Kapoor’s 1987 superhero film Mr. India. The character became a household name and solidified Puri’s reputation as one of the most formidable antagonists in Indian cinema. However, a decade later, Virasat offered him an opportunity to showcase a different facet of his talent—a strong, positive supporting role.
In Virasat, Puri played Raja Thakur, the father of Anil Kapoor’s character, who, after suffering a heart attack triggered by disrespect in the village panchayat, compels his foreign-returned son to stay in their ancestral village, marry a local girl, and take over the family’s responsibilities as the zamindar. The role was a departure from the villainous characters Puri was known for, yet he embraced it with the same intensity and conviction that marked his career.
Dilip Kumar’s Influence
Interestingly, before Amrish Puri was cast as Raja Thakur, several veteran actors, including Dilip Kumar, Raaj Kumar, and Sunil Dutt, were considered for the role. According to Vardhan Puri, Amrish Puri’s grandson, Dilip Kumar was initially approached for the role. However, after listening to the narration, the thespian suggested that Amrish Puri would perfectly fit Raja Thakur. This endorsement was pivotal, as it led to Puri being cast in the role after consulting with Kamal Haasan, on whose story the film was based.
In journalist Roshmila Bhattacharya’s book Bad Men: Bollywood’s Iconic Villains, Vardhan Puri recounts how his grandfather sought Dilip Kumar’s permission before accepting the role. Dilip Kumar reiterated his belief that Puri was the ideal choice, a sentiment that meant much to the veteran actor, who had grown up idolizing the legendary star.
A Role Close to Real Life
While Amrish Puri was known for playing fearsome villains, his portrayal of Raja Thakur in Virasat reflected his more personal side. As Puri pointed out, the character was a dutiful father and a loving grandfather—roles he closely related to in real life. His performance in Virasat was widely praised, further cementing his legacy as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors.
Exploring Bollywood’s Iconic Villains
The story of Amrish Puri’s casting in Virasat is just one of the many fascinating anecdotes featured in Roshmila Bhattacharya’s book Bad Men: Bollywood’s Iconic Villains. The book, which is Bhattacharya’s fourth, delves into the lives and careers of 13 of Bollywood’s most iconic villains, including Pran, Ajit, Jeevan, Kiran Kumar, Ranjeet, Danny Denzongpa, Prem Chopra, Amjad Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Gulshan Grover, Sadashiv Amrapurkar, Ashutosh Rana, and Puneet Issar. Through personal interactions and stories shared by friends, family, and colleagues, the book offers an intimate look at the actors who brought some of Bollywood’s most memorable antagonists to life.
Conclusion
Amrish Puri’s role in Virasat is a testament to his versatility and the respect he commanded within the industry. With the backing of a legend like Dilip Kumar, Puri was able to break free from typecasting and deliver a performance that remains one of his most cherished. As Bollywood continues to evolve, the stories of its iconic villains, like those captured in Bad Men, remind us of the rich history and the enduring impact of these cinematic legends.
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