Om Puri in Varanasi to atone for controversial remarks about Indian soldiers

Actor Om Puri, who was in the eye of the storm over his comments about Indian soldiers recently, on Friday said he would do prayashchit (atone) for his remarks.

During a live TV show earlier this month, the actor made a disparaging quip about the Uri martyrs. “Did anyone force them to join the army?” he had said.

In an exclusive chat with HT, Puri said, “The comment pains me a lot. I am very embarrassed at it. I will do a big prayashchit (atonement) soon for the same. Recently, I called up Yogi Dr Vageesh Ji and asked: ‘What could be the most appropriate atonement?’ He suggested some steps for atonement.” The actor was in Varanasi on Thursday for a film shoot.

Puri said that he would atone in the most appropriate manner and would make the details public only after it was done.

Dr Vageesh is a scholar who lives in Etah, Puri revealed, adding that he made his acquaintance a few years ago.

“I first apologise to his (Uri martyr’s) family, if at all they forgive me, I apologise to the whole country, the army. I know it’s not justified that you say so much and then think a sorry will make it right.”

“Main aksar sonchata hun ki kaise itna ghaitya comment mere munh se nikal gaya (I often think how made such a mean comment).” Puri said.

At the same time, the actor praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the army for carrying out a surgical strike to destroy terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

He advised Pakistan to show the willpower to wipe out terrorism.

“Prime Minister Modi has shown strong will by carrying out the surgical strike to destroy terror launch pads in PoK. Now, Pakistan’s leaders should show courage to launch a drive against terrorism.”

“Pakistan’s leaders should come forward to hold a dialogue with Indian leadership for launching an operation against terrorists. I would suggest that they (Pak leaders) join hands with India in its efforts to eliminate terrorism which is a threat to the entire humanity,” he said.

Saluting the army and its soldiers, he said: “They are our real heroes.”

Puri said his father was in the Indian Army and he too wanted to join it when he was in college.