The tale of how Amrish Puri found love is beautifully recounted by his grandson, actor Vardhan. According to him, his grandparents met while working as clerks at the Employee State Insurance Corporation. Urmila Divekar, known for her shyness, was initially hesitant to engage with men, while Amrish, a charming Punjabi, was drawn to her.
One day, after work, he invited her to join him for a game of badminton since his usual partner was unavailable. Although she was reluctant, Urmila accepted, and they enjoyed their time on the court. Following the game, they shared coffee, which sparked a mutual affection. Their relationship blossomed as they began meeting after work in South Mumbai, eventually falling in love.
Years later, when they expressed their wish to marry, they faced significant family resistance due to their different cultural backgrounds—Amrish being Punjabi and Urmila South Indian. However, the families eventually accepted their union, and they tied the knot in January 1959. Vardhan fondly recalls that his grandparents remained deeply in love throughout their lives, often holding hands even in their sleep.
Many may not know that Amrish Puri was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. He practiced yoga every morning in the garden, believing in its transformative power. As an actor, he was keenly observant of everyday people, often jotting down notes in a small leather diary to capture human behavior, which he would later incorporate into his performances.
Known for his punctuality and discipline, Amrish was passionate about his craft. Vardhan recalls how his grandfather would return home from shoots around midnight, rehearse until 3 a.m., and rise at 5:30 a.m. for another day of filming. Despite his rigorous schedule, he never appeared fatigued. Amrish preferred listening to others rather than speaking, and his life philosophy was to elevate one's standard of giving rather than living extravagantly. Vardhan expresses how much he misses his grandfather.
To Vardhan, Amrish Puri was more than just a legendary actor; he was his best friend, mentor, and a guiding figure in his life. He describes his grandfather as a gentle giant who cherished his grandchildren and retained a childlike spirit with a wonderful sense of humor. Even amidst his fame, Amrish found joy in simple pleasures, like enjoying Charlie Chaplin films at home while indulging in traditional Punjabi cuisine on Sundays when he wasn't busy with work. Vardhan fondly remembers their playful moments together.