Actor Om Puri on Friday said that he would do prayashchit (atonement) for his controversial remarks about Uri martyrs. During a live TV show earlier this month, the actor had jokingly said, “Did anyone force them to join the army?”
His remarks were widely criticised.
In an interview with the Hindustan Times, 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.”
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 said, adding that he made his acquaintance a few years ago.
Puri also revealed that he’d attempt to apologise to the families of the Uri martyrs. “I’ll 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.”
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He also stressed on the need for a healthy dialogue between India and Pakistan given the current situation. “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.
Praising the army and other deployed soldiers, he said, “They are our real heroes.”
Puri also said his father had been in the Indian Army and he too wanted to join it when he was in college.