Mogambo to Mola Ram: Amrish Puri’s 8 greatest villain roles

Published : Jun 29, 2025, 06:39 PM IST

Amrish Puri, one of Bollywood’s most iconic villains, left behind unforgettable roles. From Mogambo to Bhaironath, here’s a look at 8 of his most chilling on-screen performances. 

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Bollywood's scariest villain, Amrish Puri, would have been 93 today. He portrayed villains so convincingly that they terrified audiences. Here are 8 of his most iconic roles.
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Bhaironath: In the 1986 blockbuster 'Nagina,' starring Sridevi and Rishi Kapoor, Amrish Puri played the snake charmer Bhaironath. His menacing appearance and performance made audiences sympathize with the Nagin.
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Mogambo: In 'Mr. India,' starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, Amrish Puri played Mogambo, India's enemy and a terrorist. His wide eyes, scary expressions, and booming voice terrified audiences.
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Bhujang: Amrish Puri's portrayal of Bhujang in the 1989 film 'Tridev' is still remembered. He single-handedly outmatched Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, and Sunny Deol.
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Thakur Durjan Singh: In 'Karan Arjun,' starring Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Rakhee, Amrish Puri played Thakur Durjan Singh, who brutally kills Karan and Arjun. This role is known for his excellent performance.
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Mola Ram: Amrish Puri's villainy was famous even in Hollywood. In Steven Spielberg's 1984 film 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,' he played the terrifying Mola Ram.
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Shera: In the 1987 film 'Loha,' starring Dharmendra, Amrish Puri played Sher, also known as Shera. His look and dialogue delivery in the film made him terrifying.
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Bhairav Singh: In 'Koyla,' starring Shahrukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit, Amrish Puri played Bhairav Singh, a cruel man who wants Madhuri at any cost.
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