He was an Indian actor who is best-known for his roles in films like Aakrosh (1980), Arohan (1982), Sadgati (1981), Tamas (1987), Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) and Chachi 420 (1997). He had various collaborations with director Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani. Puri also appeared in non-Indian productions in US and Britain. Puri was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 1990; and in 2004, was made an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Credits include: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Street Fighter, Gandhi, Vertical Limit and My Beautiful Laundrette

Credits include: NH10, Welcome to Sajjanpur, Sehar, Byokmesh Bakshi and The Discovery of India