Madan Puri (30 September 1915 – 13 January 1985) was an Indian actor of Hindi and Punjabi films. His brothers were actors Chaman Puri and Amrish Puri. As a character actor mainly in negative roles (villain), he acted in about 430 films in a career spanning above fifty years.
Early life Madan Lal Puri was born in Nawanshahr, Punjab, in a Punjabi Hindu family, to Nihal Chand Puri and Ved Kaur. He studied in Rahon. He was the second of five children, with elder brother Chaman Puri, younger brothers Amrish Puri and Harish Lal Puri and younger sister Chandrakanta Mehra. He was a cousin of singing sensation Kundan Lal Sehgal.
Career Puri was one of the doyens of the Indian film industry in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was the first cousin of the singer K. L. Saigal, with whose help he started to make a mark in Bollywood. Once Puri was an established star he did the same for his brother, Amrish Puri, by helping him in establishing himself in the movie world.
Puri had an acting career which spanned over 40 years from the 1940s through to the mid-1980s. He appeared in more than 430 films. His film debut was titled Ahinsa in 1946. Madan made an average of eight films per year, playing villains and negative characters and the hero's or heroine's uncle, father or elder brother, grandfather, police officer and politician. He starred in a number of Punjabi films throughout his career such as Jatti, Jatt Punjabi and so on.
He died in 1985 of a heart attack at the age of 69. He was a resident of R P Masani Road in Matunga, Mumbai, also known as Punjabi Galli, with other actors of that era including the Kapoors. Several films were released after his death until 1989 with his final being Santosh.
Personal life Puri's wife, Sheela Devi Puri (Wadhera), died a few years after him. Their son, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Kamlesh K. Puri, published a book about the life and times of Madan Puri titled "My Father, the Villain" in 2015 (the 100th anniversary of his birth).
He is survived by his sons Pravesh Puri, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Kamlesh Kumar Puri and Ramnesh Puri, and his grandchildren Kanchan Puri, Sonal Puri, Vikram Puri, Amrit Puri and Ishita Puri.
Selected filmography
Khazanchi (1941) as Kamal's friend (uncredited) Meri Bahen (1944) Kuldeep (1946) 1857 (1946) Ahinsa (1946) Omar Khaiyyam (1946) Chittor Vijay (1947) Vidya (1948) as Harish Sona (1948, Short) Kamal (1949) Jeet (1949) as Ratan Singaar (1949) as Dr. Niranjan Imtihaan (1949) Namoona (1949) as Lachchhu Dil Ki Duniya (1949) Raat Ki Rani (1949) Madari (1950, Punjabi Movie) Anmol Ratan (1950) Nadaan (1951) Adaa (1951) Nazaria (1952) Deewana (1952) as Phulwa Goonj (1952) Raag Rang (1952) Jaggu (1952) Mahatma (1953) Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1953) Munna (1954) Watan (1954) Mahatma Kabir (1954) Haar Jeet (1954) Amar Kirtan (1954) Rukhsana (1955) Tees Maar Khan (1955) Madhur Milan (1955) Lakhon Mein Ek (1955) Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955) as Manilal Teen Bhai (1955) Bhagwat Mahima (1955) Vachan (1955) as Laxmidas Kala Chor (1956) Qeemat (1956) Aabroo (1956) Heer (1956) Nau Do Gyarah (1957) as Radhe Shyam Ek Saal (1957) as Dr. M.M. Puri Narsi Bhagat (1957) (uncredited) Sheroo (1957) as Villain (uncredited) Baarish (1957) Mirza Sahiba (1957) as Shamir Mohini (1957) as Pratap Singh Miss 58 (1958) Howrah Bridge (1958) as John Chang Balyogi Upmanyu (1958) Dilli Ka Thug (1958) as Bihari Kabhi Andhera Kabhi Ujala (1958) Taqdeer (1958) Trolley Driver (1958) Insan Jaag Utha (1959) as Mohan Singh Kanhaiya (1959) as Mano Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan (1959) as Dr. Mehta Nai Raahen (1959) Charnon Ki Dasi (1959) Kala Bazar (1960) as Ganesh Jaali Note (1960) as Manohar (uncredited) Gambler (1960) Singapore (1960) as Chang Chaudhary Karnail Singh (1960, Punjabi Movie) as Buta K. Singh Kiklee (1960) Ghar Ki Laj (1960) as Gulab's Husband Modern Girl (1961) as Kamal Nath Flight to Assam (1961) Guddi (1961, Punjabi Movie) as Namberdaar Saaya (1961) Pyaar Ka Saagar (1961) as Bishen Chand Gupta Tel Malish Boot Polish (1961) as Girdhari Kala Chashma (1962) Gangu (1962) as Madan China Town (1962) as Joseph Wong Bees Saal Baad (1962) as Dr. Pandey Rakhi (1962) as Choudhary Bhagwandas Naughty Boy (1962) as R.L. Mathur 'Matur' Aeh Dharti Punjab Di (1963) Gehra Daag (1963) as Ramesh Ek Raaz (1963) as Chunilal Shikari (1963) as Jagdish Dekha Pyaar Tumhara (1963) as Madan Sunheri Nagin (1963) Godaan (1963) Khooni Khazana (1964) Main Jatti Punjab Di Punjabi Movie (1964, Punjabi Movie) as Para Lel Cha Cha Cha (1964) as Dance emcee Kashmir Ki Kali (1964) as Shyamlal Kohraa (1964) as Kamal Rai Ziddi (1964) as Moti Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964) as Ratanlal Mr. X in Bombay (1964) as Rajan Shaheed (1965) as Jailor Gumnaam (1965) as Dr. Acharya Waqt (1965) as Balvir Main Wohi Hoon (1965) as Jagdish Neela Akash (1965) as Abdul Mohabbat Isko Kahete Hain (1965) as Kundan Do Matwale (1966) Street Singer (1966) Phool Aur Patthar (1966) as Boss Love in Tokyo (1966) as Asha's Uncle Sawan Ki Ghata (1966) as Limo Thakur Jarnail Singh (1966) Main Wohi Hoon (1966) as Jagdish Nasihat (1967) as Mr. Singh Naujavan (1967) Hamraaz (1967) as Captain (Rajesh's friend) Shagird (1967) as Madan Chicagowala Baharon Ke Sapne (1967) as Ranjeet Upkar (1967) as Charandas Aag (1967) as Kallu Singh Aamne Samne (1967) as Pran Mathur Dilruba (1967) Gunehgar (1967) as Murli Johar in Bombay (1967) as Gopal Hamare Gam Se Mat Khelo (1967) Ek Raat (1968) as Madan Duniya (1968) as Madan Humsaya (1968) as Prof. Tao Kai Chen Juaari (1968) as Bankelal Aankhen (1968) as Captain Kahin Aur Chal (1968) Ek Phool Ek Bhool (1968) as Boss Hai Mera Dil (1968) as Pyarelal Teri Talash Mein (1968) (uncredited) Aanchal Ke Phool (1968) Oos Raat Ke Baad (1969) as Thakur Madan Singh Sajan (1969) as Seth Dharamdas Aadmi Aur Insaan (1969) as Sabharwal Aradhana (1969) as Prison Warden Ittefaq (1969) as Public Prosecutor Khanna Pyar Hi Pyar (1969) as Dindayal Talash (1969) as Peter Tumse Achha Kaun Hai (1969) as Brothel Patron Pyar Ka Mausam (1969) as Shankar Shatranj (1969) as Comrade Chang Prem Pujari (1970) as Chang The Train (1970) as Yogi / No. 1 Sawan Bhadon (1970) as Robber who robs Vikram My Love (1970) as Pran Mehra Bhai Bhai (1970) as Robbery Gang Leader (1970) as Vishnu Prasad Yaadgaar (1970) as Madan Singh Aag Aur Daag (1970) as Madanlal Choron Ka Chor (1970) as Madanlal Purab Aur Paschim (1970) as Preeti's dad Devi (1970) as Joginder Ehsan (1970) as Pawan Kumar Bahake Kadam (1971) Ek Paheli (1971) as Shankarlal Lakhon Mein Ek (1971) as Jaggu Haathi Mere Saathi (1971) as Ratanlal Purani Pehchan (1971) as Dr. Khoshla Elaan (1971) as Mr. Verma Rakhwala (1971) as Jwalaprasad Nadaan (1971) as Manglu Caravan (1971) as Mithalal Tota Woh Din Yaad Karo (1971) as Madan Hulchul (1971) as Mahesh Jetley Ramu Ustad (1971) as Madan Paras (1971) as Thakur Prithvi Singh Amar Prem (1971) as Nepal Babu Guddi (1971) as Lambhardara Sanjog (1972) as Shiv Dayal Dastaan (1972) as Public Prosecutor - Anil Kumar's case Haar Jeet (1972) as Madhusudan Gupta Apradh (1972) as German Doctor Anuraag (1972) as Amirchand Samadhi (1972) as Jaggu Jai Jwala (1972) as Kundan Janwar Aur Insaan (1972) as Gokulchand Apna Desh (1972) as Satyanarayan Shor (1972) as Factory owner (Guest Appearance) Double Cross (1972) as Maganbhai Rani Mera Naam (1972) Shehzada (1972) as Chanda's maternal uncle Gora Aur Kala (1972) as Raja Zoravar Singh (Anuradha's Father) Wafaa (1972) as Zamindar Sazaa (1972) as Shankar Bandagi (1972) Rut Rangeeli Ayee (1972) as Jaggu Dhund (1973) as Inspector Joshi Bandhe Hath (1973) as Shyamu's Mentor Loafer (1973) as Mr. Puri Daag: A Poem of Love (1973) as K.C. Khanna Bada Kabutar (1973) as Ghaffoor (uncredited) Joshila (1973) as Madanlal Dogra Dharma (1973) as Mangal Singh Black Mail (1973) as Dr. Khurana Khoon Khoon (1973) Kahani Hum Subb Ki (1973) as College Principle Gaddaar (1973) as Kanhaiya Naya Nasha (1973) as Protesting student's dad - Politician Hifazat (1973) as Saw Mill Owner Nafrat (1973) Wohi Raat Wohi Awaaz (1973) Daaman Aur Aag (1973) as Surajmal Ek Nari Do Roop (1973) as Belani Anuraag (1973) as Amirchand Manoranjan (1974) as Police Inspector Chor Machaye Shor (1974) as Seth Jamunadas Jab Andhera Hota Hai (1974) as Sohanlal Bhardwaj (1974) as Mr. M.M. Puri Bidaai (1974) as Dharam Das Benaam (1974) as Gopal Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974) as Nekiram Majboor (1974) as Mahipat Rai Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (1974) as Jagmohan 36 Ghante (1974) Zehreela Insaan (1974) as John Charitraheen (1974) as Avinash Sauda (1974) as Dharamdas Satgur Nanak Bakshanhar (1974) as Malak Bhaago (1975) as Prakash Warrant (1975) as Professor Ashok Verma Deewaar (1975) as Samant Zameer (1975) as Daku Maan Singh Dharmatma (1975) as Ranbir's Uncle Geet Gaata Chal (1975) as Sohan Singh Ponga Pandit (1975) as Shambhunath Dafaa 302: Indian Penal Code Section 302 (Section of Murder) (1975) as Inspector General of Police Angaarey (1975) Saazish (1975) as Wong Raftaar (1975) as Jackson Khalifa (1976) as Dharamdas Sharma Kalicharan (1976) as Jaagir Singh Bhanwar (1976) as John D'Souza / Johny Mehbooba (1976) as Sardar Fakira (1976) as Chiman Lal Bairaag (1976) as Glasco Barood (1976) as B. Puri - Bakshi's New York Associate Aaj Ka Ye Ghar (1976) as Sajjan's Father-in-law Aap Beati (1976) as Mayadas Daaj (1976) as Deen Dyaal Deewaangee (1976) as George Sher Puttar (1977) as Seth Madan Lal Paapi (1977) as Harnamdas Aaina (1977) as M.B. Patil Lachhi (1977) as Thanedaar Dharam Chand Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaye (1977) as Harkishan Wangar (1977) as Chet Ram Darinda (1977) as Thakur Saab Vishwasghaat (1977) as Uday's dad Mandir Masjid (1977) Kasum Khoon Ki (1977) as Shooter from Dubai Shirdi Ke Sai Baba (1977) as Ranvir Singh Chakkar Pe Chakkar (1977) as Swami Hari Om Ram Bharose (1977) as Boss Mera Vachan Geeta Ki Qasam (1977) as Priest Chaalu Mera Naam (1977) as Shyamlal Jai Ambe Maa (1977) Atyachaar (1978) Vishwanath (1978) as Pukhraj Ghar (1978) as Vikas' Father Naya Daur (1978) as Mehta Bandie (1978) as Bharatpur's Diwanji Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se (1978) as Mr. Mathur (Arun's dad) Swarg Narak (1978) as Lala Lalchand Aahuti (1978) as Heeralal Heeralaal Pannalaal (1978) Tere Pyaar Mein (1978) Chor Ho To Aisa (1978) as Chinaramu "Ramu" Aakhri Kasam (1979) as Malang Baba Badmashon Ka Badmaash (1979) Gawaah (1979) Aatish (1979) as Girdhari Gautam Govinda (1979) as Bagha Muqabla (1979) The Great Gambler (1979) as Ratan Das Noorie (1979) as Lala Karamchand Jaani Dushman (1979) as Blind Vaidji (Reshma's dad) Shaitan Mujrim (1979) as Dr. Kailash Naath Raadha Aur Seeta (1979) as Shankar Saxena Kaala Patthar (1979) as Vikram's father Lok Parlok (1979) as Kalicharan Shabhash Daddy (1979) Raakhi Ki Saugandh (1979) as Bachchan Singh Aur Kaun? (1979) as Kailash Nath Jaan-e-Bahaar (1979) as Ajit's maternal uncle Jatt Punjabi (1979) as Shah Zulm Ki Pukar (1979) Desh Drohee (1980) as Madan Lal Dam Maro Dam (1980) Dhan Daulat (1980) as Shanti's dad Zalim (1980) as Mr. Marshell Khwab (1980) as Ram Prasad The Burning Train (1980) as Ashok's dad Swayamvara (1980) as Makhanlal Hum Nahin Sudhrenge (1980) as Mr. Lakhanpal Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980) as Fatima's dad Jatti (1980) as Krishan Lal Kapoor Lahu Pukarega (1980) Ek Baar Kaho (1980) as Dr. Puri (Rajni's father) Abdullah (1980) as Military Commander Humkadam (1980) as Hari Harprasad Aap To Aise Na The (1980) as Khanna / Jagjit 'Jaggi' Singh Ek Gunah Aur Sahi (1980) as Mr. Verma Taxi Chor (1980) as Shamsher Singh / Anthony Bandish (1980) Fauji Chacha (1980) Judaai (1980) as Mr. Dube Yeh Kaisa Insaaf (1980) as Mr. Nath Patita (1980) as Jain's Father Saajan Mere Main Saajan Ki (1980) Dahej (1981) Parakh (1981)