As the iconic film Mr. India celebrates its 38th anniversary on May 25, 2025, the legacy of Amrish Puri's unforgettable portrayal of Mogambo is being fondly remembered. His grandson, Vardhaan Puri, an actor himself, is commemorating the occasion by reflecting on the enduring impact of the character and the magic woven into it by his grandfather, director Shekhar Kapur, and writer Javed Akhtar.
"Mogambo is one of the most iconic characters globally, and his relevance only keeps growing with time," Vardhaan told IANS. He emphasized how the impact of the dialogue "Mogambo khush hua" (Mogambo is pleased) resonates even today, bearing testament to the artistry of Amrish Puri, Shekhar Kapur, and Javed Akhtar.
Amrish Puri's journey to becoming one of Bollywood's most renowned villains was not without its initial hurdles. He had aspirations of becoming a Bollywood movie star but faced rejection early on. However, this setback paved the way for him to redefine the role of character actors in Indian cinema. He won over critics with his performances in art films and captured the hearts of the masses with his larger-than-life histrionics in commercial movies.
Vardhaan shared insights into the character's appeal, noting that Mogambo wasn't just a villain; he was a "villainous personality" that attracted both children and adults. He elaborated on the elements that made Mogambo so captivating: his dialogue delivery, expressive eyes, powerful voice, distinctive golden and black costume, wig, rings, and the iconic staff. These details contributed to the character's immense popularity, particularly among children.
Vardhaan also revealed the crucial role Shekhar Kapur played in shaping Mogambo. Kapur advised Amrish Puri to perform the role as if he were performing Shakespeare for eight-year-old children. This approach ensured that children would love the villain, creating an immortal and iconic character.
"A lot of the credit for Mogambo's magic goes to Shekhar Kapur sir for advising him to treat the role as though he was performing Shakespeare for 8 year old children, because once a child starts loving a villain, you know you've created something immortal and iconic,” Vardhaan stated.
Mr. India marked the last collaboration between the renowned writing duo Salim-Javed. The film tells the story of Arun, a kind-hearted street violinist who cares for orphans, and his transformation into an invisible hero to combat Mogambo's sinister plans to conquer India.
Amrish Puri's impact extends beyond Mr. India. His filmography includes roles in Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Richard Attenborough's Gandhi, showcasing his versatility and global appeal. Despite his imposing on-screen presence, he was known for his discipline, punctuality, and humility.
Vardhaan, who is currently seen as a romantic hero in "Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story", is committed to carrying forward his grandfather's legacy. He said he doesn't take pressure of being Amrish Puri's grandson, but feels a great sense of responsibility. He aims to work with the same dedication and intensity as his grandfather.
As Indian cinema celebrates 38 years of Mr. India, the echoes of "Mogambo khush hua" continue to resonate, reminding audiences of the unforgettable character and the lasting impact of Amrish Puri's performance. The dialogue, the character, and the dedication behind it serve as a masterclass in acting for generations to come.
