Illustration/Ravi Jadhav

So, Om Prakash Puri has left the building. He’s left his shadow in the abandoned Akashwani Theatre, ex-home of art house movies. He’s left us that pock-marked face, those laser piercing eyes and that subterranean voice. He’s left us Inspector Velankar from Ardh Satya and the mute Bhiku from Aakrosh. He’s left us the Pakistani-Brit fish and chip shop owner from East Is East. He’s left us the comedy of Hera Pheri and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron. He’s left us as the last of the actors who straddled Bollywood, Indian TV, British cinema and indie films. He’s left us as the thespian with more unforgettable roles in our pantheon of cinema than any other. And, he’s left in his wake a vibe of decency, and humility — unique in a world of facades and fake emotions.