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5 classic Amrish Puri performances that prove he was Bollywood’s greatest villain

TOI Entertainment Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Oct 6, 2025, 12:00 IST
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1/5

'Nayak: The Real Hero'

In the role of Balraj Chauhan, the corrupt and arrogant Chief Minister, Puri was at his menacing best. His verbal sparring with Anil Kapoor’s character was a highlight, and his portrayal of political power and manipulation was chillingly real.

2/5

'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'

As Chaudhary Baldev Singh, Puri showed his range by playing a strict yet loving father. While not a villain in the traditional sense, his rigid values posed the biggest challenge for the star-crossed lovers. His emotional transformation added depth to the film's iconic ending.

3/5

'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha'

As Ashraf Ali, the stern father who refuses to accept his daughter's love for an Indian Sikh, Amrish Puri delivered a power-packed performance. His emotional conflict and authoritative aura made him both feared and respected. Despite playing the antagonist, his presence gave depth to the film's emotional core.

4/5

'Karan Arjun'

Portraying Thakur Durjan Singh, Puri once again embodied greed and cruelty. From orchestrating murders to ruling over a village with an iron fist, his role brought intensity and gravitas to this reincarnation revenge drama.

5/5

'Mr. India'

You can’t talk about Amrish Puri without Mogambo. “Mogambo khush hua!” became a pop culture phenomenon. Dressed in his signature military outfit and exuding cartoonish yet terrifying evil, Puri turned Mogambo into one of the most iconic villains in Indian film history.

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Copyright © May 28, 2026, 12.45PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service