Ishaan Puri: We want to keep Om Puri alive through his legacy and his philosophy

Known for films like 'Akrosh,' 'Ardh Satya,' 'Jane Bhi Do Yaaron,' 'City of Joy' among others, Om Puri is one of the most recognisable Indian faces in international cinema. From working with eminent directors like Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, Mrinal Sen in their parallel cinema to being a part of commercial films by Farhan Akhtar Rakesh Mehra and many more, Om Puri has left a legacy behind him. His work in Hollywood, too, has been appreciated globally. The late actor's wife Nandita and son Ishaan Puri will be celebrating the late actor’s 70th birth anniversary (October 18) by launching a YouTube channel — Puri Baatein — which will talk about the veteran actor, his films, and beyond. Ishaan will also launch a 4-minute film based on the life of the veteran actor. "It is my first film and it is a tribute to Baba. Through the platform, I will be sharing personal anecdotes and tips for acting which my father gave me over a period of time and which I have recorded for actors and acting students. These are invaluable and I'd like to share this with the viewers woven with practical examples. Through Puri Baatein we want to keep Om Puri alive through his legacy and his philosophy," says Ishaan, adding, "The channel is an initiative by the Om Puri Foundation, which was started by my mother and me." A childhood picture of Ishaan with the veteran actor “We will celebrate him globally with year-long programs in India, Cannes, and London and will also be hosting a festival in Punjab. We also look forward to releasing a few films in his memory like Ram Kamal Mukherjee's 'Rickshawala' as well as a couple of his unreleased Hollywood films,” says Nandita. Interestingly, Boston Asian Film Fest is kickstarting the celebration by honouring the late actor under the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Cinema’ program. Nandita, Ishaan and Om PuriOm Puri was the only Indian actor to have worked with mainstream Hollywood directors like Roland Joffe, Mike Nichols, Lasse Halstrom, and others and worked alongside Patrick Swayze, Jack Nicholson, Michael Douglas, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Val Kilmer, and Helen Mirren amongst others. 'East Is East' is the cult British film that got him a Bafta nomination and the OBE from HRH Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to British cinema and television.