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Om Puri wasn’t interested in material things: ‘The Gandhi Murder’ producer
New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) Om Puri was not interested in material things and was a very simple man, who at times used to cook simple food for the team of “The Gandhi Murder”, the forthcoming film’s producer Lakshmi R. Iyer recalled on the celebrated actor’s death anniversary on Sunday.
Om Puri died on January 6, 2017 after a heart attack. He was 66.
“Om Sir was an institution to learn from…right from his behaviour as a human who was extremely humble and kind to everyone, to his work, watching him prepare for a scene and executing it to perfection… to me, it was just pure blessing.
“He was a very simple man, who used to even cook simple food for the team sometimes. He was not interested in material things,” Iyer told IANS.
Personally, whenever she met him, he would always “tease me by saying that he would get me married to a nice boy”.
The National School of Drama alumnus was known for mostly featuring in socially relevant movies like “Aakrosh” and “Ardh Satya”.
Om Puri also showed his comic skills in movies like “Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro”, “Chachi 420” and “Hera Pheri”.
He played a cameo role in Richard Attenborough’s iconic film “Gandhi” as well.
“I remember when I called him the first time, he asked me for a hard copy of the script. Within two days, he asked me to come back and he confirmed and we signed the contracts,” she said.
“Although there have been numerous films on Mahatma Gandhi, I believe that Om Sir felt our film will unveil lesser known details (about Gandhi). I think he himself loved Gandhiji’s ideology of non-violence.
“The simple story that a fanatic came and shot Gandhi doesn’t hold water. The whole conspiracy angle that has never been shown in a film, excited him,” she added.
“The Gandhi Murder” will be released worldwide on January 30.
“He (Om Puri) is playing one of the key roles in our film. His character’s name is T.G. — the first Director of Intelligence Bureau of independent India,” shared the producer.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.