Indian actor Om Puri, famous for film roles both in India and the UK, has passed away aged 66.
Known in the UK for his role as Pakistani immigrant George Khan in East is East, Puri has had an illustrious career spanning over 30 years, in a number of impressive roles. In particular, in India he is recognised and celebrated for many tougher, grittier roles in films of a political nature during the 1980s.
He has had many roles here in the West, having made a contribution to US and UK cinemas so large, that he was honoured an honorary OBE in 2004 for his contribution to British film. Examples include The Hundred-Foot Journey alongside Dame Helen Mirren, and The Reluctant Fundamentalist alongside Riz Ahmed.
Many prominent cultural figures in India including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Cricket hero Sachin Tendulkar and fellow actors Anupam Kher, Akshay Kumar and more have paid tribute to the actor via Twitter.
As well as this, Pakistani media has also covered the story prominently, given that Om Puri spoke openly about his disdain with the recent ban imposed on Pakistani actors working in Indian films.
Puri passed away in his home from a heart attack early this morning.
Watch the trailer for his iconic film East is East below.
