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Om Puri

Om Puri to play Pakistani President
25th Sept 2006 09.00 IST
By Agencies

Om Puri will soon be seen sharing celluloid space with Hollywood biggies Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts in his forthcoming film 'Charlie Wilson's War' where he will portray the character of General Zia-ul-Haq, the late President of Pakistan.

The film is produced by Good Time Charlie Productions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Universal City Studios. 'Charlie Wilson's War' is produced by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman. Mike Nichols is the director.

Puri had worked with Nichols earlier in 'Wolf'. The film stars Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Amy Adams, Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Puri has just returned from Los Angeles after a session of script reading, rehearsals and costume. The shooting will begin in Morocco from next month and in the USA in December.

Puri plays Pakistan President Zia-ul-Haq in the film, which is a drama based on Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson's dealings in Afghanistan where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long reaching effects.

Puri's body of work in Hollywood includes films like 'City of Joy', 'Ghost in the darkness', 'Wolf' , 'East is East', 'My son-the fanatic' among others.

Puri said that 'Charlie Wilson's war' is a political film during the period when USSR invaded Afghanistan and America wanted to use Pakistan to get rid of the Soviets.

''I was in Los Angeles for two weeks as part of the pre-production work before the film goes on floor. I am researching a lot on the character I play. I remembered Zia having a gold tooth and confirmed it with Shatrughan Sinha and his wife Punam who were very close to the Pakistani General. Similarly, I also got to know that the chain he wore on his sherwani had a decorative pocket watch,'' Puri said.

''Gen. Zia is shown in the film when the American envoy comes to Islamabad to discuss Afghanistan and Zia bullies the American. Similarly, Zia goes to the US. Both times, he is shown in civilian dress. The backdrop is army background,'' Puri said.

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