Cinema – Somy Ali Recalls Om Puri’s Kindness on Set
Cinema – Actor Somy Ali has opened up about her experience working with the late Om Puri during the filming of the 1997 movie Chupp, describing him as deeply considerate while shooting emotionally demanding scenes. In a recent social media post, she shared how the veteran actor ensured she felt supported during sequences that portrayed domestic abuse.
Handling Sensitive Scenes With Care
Chupp, a murder mystery layered with a narrative on domestic violence, required intense performances from its cast. Somy Ali reflected that certain scenes were particularly difficult due to their emotional weight. According to her, Om Puri remained mindful of her personal history and approached the scenes with empathy.
She wrote that the actor took extra care during filming, understanding that the subject matter was not easy to portray. The moment the director called “cut,” Puri would shift the atmosphere by cracking jokes to lighten the mood. His efforts, she said, helped ease the emotional strain that such scenes often bring.
Somy described the experience as both challenging and meaningful, adding that she felt fortunate to share the screen with performers who valued sensitivity and professionalism.
Gratitude for Working With Film Legends
In her reflection, Somy Ali also looked back on her time in Hindi cinema and expressed appreciation for having collaborated with some of the industry’s most respected names. She mentioned working alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra and Rajesh Khanna, describing the opportunities as defining moments in her career.
She recalled a childhood memory involving Rajesh Khanna, fondly known to fans as “Kaka.” As a young girl visiting India, she had boldly told him that she intended to marry him when she grew up. Looking back, she described the moment as an innocent declaration that now feels like a treasured memory from her early years.
The actor noted that being able to work with such stalwarts during her peak years in Bollywood was an honour. Beyond professional growth, she said the experience offered life lessons that continue to guide her today.
Behind the Scenes of Chupp
Somy Ali also shared personal anecdotes from the set of Chupp. She explained that before filming began, she was determined to check off certain career aspirations, including acting opposite some of the stars her mother admired. Working with Jeetendra in the film fulfilled one such goal.
She described Jeetendra as a mentor-like presence who offered guidance during breaks between shots. His advice on navigating both career and life, she said, remains relevant to her even years later.
Another memory she highlighted was learning to drive a manual transmission car shortly before shooting began. She practiced daily ahead of the schedule so she could confidently perform driving scenes herself. The white car seen in the film, she revealed, was her own vehicle.
Lessons Beyond the Camera
Apart from acting, Om Puri’s love for cooking left a lasting impression on her. Somy recounted how he would enthusiastically share recipes during breaks. Since she does not read or write Hindi, she carefully noted down instructions in Roman script to try them at home later.
She credited him for teaching her how to prepare dishes such as dal, biryani and perfectly round rotis. These small but meaningful exchanges, she said, reflected his warmth beyond the camera.
Concluding her note, Somy Ali expressed heartfelt gratitude to her co-stars for their kindness and mentorship. She said she misses them deeply and remains thankful for the guidance they offered during a formative period of her life.