Veteran actor Avtar Gill has shared a fond recollection of working with the late screen legend Amrish Puri on the 1988 film Waaris, describing the iconic star as not only a towering performer but also a genuinely warm and affectionate human being off camera. Gill posted the tribute on his social media account, accompanied by two archival photographs — one in black and white — featuring the two actors together from the film's set.

The Tribute in Gill's Own Words

Alongside the photographs, Gill wrote: 'A beautiful memory with the legendary Amrish Puri sahab while shooting for the movie Waaris (1988).' He described Puri as 'an icon of Indian cinema and an extraordinary actor,' adding that, for him personally, Puri 'was also a genuinely kind and warm person who always treated me with great affection.' Gill expressed that he was 'grateful to have shared the screen with him and, more importantly, to have known his kindness.'

About the Film Waaris

Directed by Ravindra Peepat, Waaris was released in 1988 and featured an ensemble cast that included Smita Patil, Raj Babbar, Amrita Singh, Raj Kiran, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Amrish Puri. The film was adapted from Sohan Singh Hans' Punjabi novel Kaare Hatthi and centred on themes of inheritance, family conflict, and a bitter struggle over ancestral land.

Puri portrayed Dulla Singh in the film, while Gill essayed the role of Dara Singh. The production also carries a poignant historical footnote: lead actress Smita Patil, who played Paramjit 'Paro', passed away before the film's release, and her lines were subsequently dubbed by actress Rekha.

Amrish Puri's Remarkable Screen Legacy

Amrish Puri entered films relatively late in life, making his screen debut in Reshma Aur Shera in 1971 at around the age of 39. His commanding baritone and magnetic screen presence made him particularly sought after for antagonist roles, and he went on to build one of Bollywood's most enduring filmographies. Memorable characters span across Vidhaata, Shakti, Hero, Meri Jung, Nagina, Mr. India, Shahenshah, Ram Lakhan, Tridev, Ghayal, Saudagar, Damini, and Karan Arjun, among many others.

His portrayal of Mogambo in director Shekhar Kapur's Mr. India (1987) is widely regarded as one of the most iconic villain roles in the history of Hindi cinema. He also delivered acclaimed performances in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Pardes, Gardish, Ghatak, and Virasat. On the international stage, he earned recognition through Richard Attenborough's Gandhi and Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, in which he played the formidable antagonist Mola Ram.

Avtar Gill's Own Career in Hindi Cinema

Avtar Gill built his own distinct identity as one of Hindi cinema's dependable character actors over four decades. His film career dates to the late 1970s, with Noorie among his early credits. He subsequently appeared in a wide range of productions including Saath Saath, Mashaal, Ghulami, Khamosh, Shahenshah, Kabzaa, Agneepath, Aashiqui, Sadak, Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, Mohra, Rangeela, Baadshah, Airlift, and Wazir.

Gill's tribute is a reminder of an era when Bollywood's ensemble casts produced films of lasting cultural weight — and of the personal bonds that formed behind the camera alongside them.