Om Puri’s 72nd birth anniversary: Remembering the time when Om Puri went down on his knees for Helen Mirren – Times of India

He was happy to be in Albi. It’s so peaceful and beautiful he had said in a previous interview and added, “I’m very proud of whatever we’ve shot so far. I saw the rushes. I think my country will be proud of me when this film is released.” He also said, “That at my age, I get such pivotal roles in international projects, proves I must have done something right.”

Om was simply bowled over by his co-star the British actress Dame Helen Mirren. The appreciative actor had shared his excitement from Albi, “I have rented my own apartment here in Albi where I do my own cooking. When Helen Mirren arrived for shooting, I invited her home for dinner along with the rest of the crew. I cooked an Indian meal for them. When she arrived I fell on my knees in front of her and confessed I was a fan. Helen laughed, made me stand up, hugged me and said she also admired my work.”

Om was impressed by Mirren’s generous spirit. “She is such a great actress and so devoid of any vanity. I think I am going to have a great time shooting with her. I am not even thinking about all the ugliness that I left behind at home. The one saving grace of my troubled life is that when I start to work I forget all my problems.”

During his lifetime Om worked with some of the greatest international actors including Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Ben Kingsley.