FTII names new wing after THIS late actor

FTII Pune is one of the most renowned colleges for filmmaking in India and has many notable alumni as well, who have gone on to become industry veterans and titans. The college recently introduced a new wing dedicated to the Department of Screen Acting on March 19, which included two big studios in the new wing. As a tribute their illustrious alumni, the institute has named the studios after the late actors Tom Alter and Om Puri.  BP Singh (of CID and Ahaat fame) inaugurated the studious in the presence of the Institute director, Bhupendra Kainthola and Dean of Acting Department Amit Tyagi. HOD and mentor Benjamin Gilani was also present for the event. For the uninitiated, Gilani succeeded Tom Alter as the HOD and was a great friend of both Tom and Om Puri.

Sports journalist and Tom’s son, Jamie Alter, inaugurated the studio named after his father, whilst Om Puri’s son Ishaan inaugurated the studio named after his dad. Ishaan Puri’s mother, Om’s wife, Nandita Puri also graced the event with her presence. It was an emotionally charged moment for all who were present at the function. The two sons expressed their regards towards the people responsible for the tribute, and ironically, both also expressed regret at never having visited the iconic FTII campus when their fathers were alive. Both Om Puri, and Tom Alter, passed away in 2017. It was Tom who held sway with memories of his friend Om, at the condolence meet soon after Om’s passing In Jan 2017. His good friend Tom joined him a few months later, in September of 2017, their deaths leaving an incalculable loss to the industry.

Interestingly, when the late veteran Om Puri came to FTII, he had no money and it was the largesse of friends and mentors who helped him tide through the two years financially. He got his first role from then director Girish Karnad in BV Karanth’s Chor Chor Chhup Jaye.  Benjamin Gilani and BP Singh, who were three years senior to Om, even recalled how they ragged him by making him recite his audition piece, Mark Anthony’s speech in Hindi, on a loop. “Little did I know then I would be dedicating this place to Om,” said BP Singh at the event. Gilani also got emotional and said, “And I miss my Punjabi speaking buddy.”

Nandita Puri, who is chairing the Om Puri Foundation, (an initiative to keep the late actor’s legacy and philosophy alive) also announced an annual scholarship in the name of her husband, the Om Puri Scholar. The deserving candidate will get the scholarship after a decision taken by the department.