Amrish Puri remembered on his death anniversary

HOSHIARPUR:On his 14th death anniversary the Bollywood legend Amrish Puri was remembered by his fans and his alma mater DAV College

Updated At : 03:42 PM Jan 14, 2019 IST

Principal DL Anand with Amrish Puri during his visit to his alma mater DAV College, Hoshiarpur. File photo

Sanjiv Kumar Bakshi

Hoshiarpur, January 13

On his 14th death anniversary, the Bollywood legend Amrish Puri was remembered by his fans and his alma mater, DAV College. Secretary of the DAV College managing committee and former principal of the college DL Anand recalled Amarish’s love for his college and how he had fondly visited the college in 1995 during the Panjab University youth festival on his invitation.

Talking to The Tribune, Anand said Amrish Puri was a student of DAV College, Hoshiarpur, during the year 1949-50. In 1994, when he (Anand) was the principal of the college, he found some old photographs in which he saw Amrish Puri and contacted him. “I still remember when I wrote a letter to Amrish, he was overwhelmed. He wrote that he felt honoured to receive a letter from the college where he had studied,” told Anand. During that time, Amrish was among the topmost actors of Bollywood and his role as ‘Mogembo’ in ‘Mr India’ movie had made him a favourite among all. Anand then invited him to come to college in January 1995. He said, “Initially, Amrish Puri refused, but later on January 18, 1995, I received his call at 1:30 am. He told me that he was coming to college on youth festival, along with his wife and he will stay here for a night.”

Not only did Amrish Puri come to the college, he also met all the teachers and his fans. Reaching college, he bowed his head and recalled all his memories that how he used to live in the room number 36 of the college and used to play flute till late at night. He also fondly remembered how Principal Rala Ram used to encourage him. He met his English teacher Professor Kishan Chand Niasi and talked to him recalling old days”, told DL Anand.

“He was a warm-hearted man and always remained in touch. He often used to talk over phone and recall his old college days. He had a dream of becoming a top actor and he achieved the status that only a few can. His warm heartedness, his love and devotion still remains afresh in our hearts,” said Anand.