Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, one of the most revered figures in Indian cinema, recently opened up about his experience with the landmark film Ardh Satya and the towering legacy of his late friend and co-actor Om Puri. Speaking during a film appreciation session organized in Mumbai, Shah delved deep into the significance of the 1983 classic, directed by Govind Nihalani, and shared personal anecdotes that highlighted both the film’s impact and the exceptional artistry of Om Puri, who headlined the project.
As Ardh Satya continues to be studied and celebrated by cinephiles and scholars alike, Shah’s reflections offered a fresh perspective — not just on the film’s narrative power, but also on the deeply human side of Om Puri, whose unforgettable portrayal of sub-inspector Anant Velankar has become a symbol of realism in Indian cinema.
Ardh Satya: A Turning Point in Indian Storytelling
Ardh Satya was more than just a film — it was a cinematic milestone that brought raw social commentary and emotional complexity to the fore at a time when Bollywood was largely dominated by commercial masala films. Based on a short story by D.A. Panvalkar and scripted by the legendary Marathi writer Vijay Tendulkar, the film explored the moral and psychological disintegration of a police officer trapped in a corrupt system.
In his speech, Naseeruddin Shah emphasized the bravery of the film’s narrative. “This was not a movie trying to entertain or dazzle. It was holding up a mirror to the system and to the psyche of a man torn between what he is and what he must become to survive,” Shah said. “And it was Om who carried the weight of that turmoil with grace, intensity, and a kind of honesty that very few performers are capable of.”
Remembering Om Puri: Actor, Friend, Revolutionary
Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri shared a long-standing friendship that began during their early days at the National School of Drama and Film and Television Institute of India. In remembering Om, Shah was visibly emotional, recalling a man whose artistry went beyond his screen presence.
“Om was much more than an actor,” Shah said. “He was a revolutionary force in Indian cinema. He brought dignity to roles that others would turn down. He gave voice to the voiceless. There was never any vanity in his performances — only truth.”
Shah spoke of Om’s commitment to his craft and the discipline he maintained throughout his career, even as he transitioned from parallel cinema into more commercial roles later in life. “He never judged the role based on how big or glamorous it was. He looked for something real. That’s why when you see Ardh Satya, even today, you feel like you’re not watching an actor — you’re witnessing a man crumbling from within.”
He also highlighted Om Puri’s ability to connect with audiences across language and geography, noting how his performances resonated not just in India, but also in international cinema. “Whether it was East Is East, City of Joy, or The Ghost and the Darkness, he remained rooted in his Indianness but brought a universal emotionality that the world responded to.”
A Scene That Still Haunts
Shah pointed out one particular scene from Ardh Satya — the famous monologue where Anant Velankar breaks down under the weight of his helplessness and anger. “That scene,” Shah said, “is a masterclass in internalized rage. You see the character fighting with himself, with his upbringing, with the institutions around him, and with the idea of justice. Om did that in a way that didn’t scream for attention. He let the silence speak.”
He credited Govind Nihalani for allowing Om the creative space to build such a layered performance and applauded the filmmaker for bringing together powerful writing, restrained direction, and a stellar supporting cast that included Smita Patil, Amrish Puri, and Sadashiv Amrapurkar.
The Enduring Legacy
More than four decades after its release, Ardh Satya continues to be included in syllabi for film students and is regularly screened at festivals and retrospectives. According to Shah, its relevance has only grown. “Today, when we talk about mental health, institutional corruption, and the emotional toll of systemic failure, Ardh Satya feels more urgent than ever,” he said.
He urged younger generations to revisit such films not just for cinematic appreciation, but also to understand the roots of socio-political storytelling in Indian cinema. “We need more stories like this — and more artists like Om.”
