Om Puri, who acted in both mainstream and art films, was known for his gritty performances in a number of landmark Indian films in the 1980s.
He also appeared in a number of British films, including a cameo in Richard Attenborough's epic on Mahatma Gandhi.
A versatile actor, Puri was known for his roles in Indian, Pakistani, British and Hollywood films. He was awarded an honorary OBE for his contribution to the British film industry in 2004.
Puri was one of India's truly successful crossover actors, doing films with stars such as Jack Nicholson and Tom Hanks, the BBC's Soutik Biswas said.
His roles in Govind Nihalani's Aakrosh as a tribal man falsely accused of murder and a policeman in Ardh Satya beaten back by the system remain among the finest performances on Indian screen, Biswas added.
Puri is survived by his wife Nandita Puri, who he married in 1993, and their son Ishaan.
The actor is being mourned in neighbouring Pakistan with
newspapers reporting prominently on his death.
He had recently spoken out against the ban imposed by India
on Pakistani actors working in Bollywood films, following tensions over
Kashmir.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, actors fraternity,
Pakistan Hindu Council and people in general have paid rich tributes on Friday
to the Bollywood actor OmPuri actor, who passed away in Mumbai, for his efforts
for the normalisation of Indo-Pak ties.
All Pakistani news channels flashed the news of OmPuri's
death while paying tribute to his acting prowess. #OmPuri remained top trend on
Pakistani twitter throughout the day with people outpoured their love for the
late actor.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said OmPuri made significant
contribution in linking the cultural ties between India and Pakistan." Om
Puri refused to succumb to the pressure of anti-peace lobbies," Mr. Sharif
said.
