Madan Puri

Madan Lal Puri kicked off his film career way back in 1941 with Khazanchi, snagging a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role as a co-cyclist in the song “Sawan Ke Nazare Hai.” Not exactly a blockbuster debut, but hey, everyone starts somewhere. The movie was helmed by Dalsukh M. Pancholi, a name that meant business in those days. Born in 1915 to S. Nihal Chanda Puri and Ved Kaur, Madan was surrounded by talent—his big bro was Chaman Lal Puri, and his younger brothers included none other than Amrish Puri (yeah, Mogambo himself!) and Harish Lal Puri. The family tree didn’t quit; he was first cousins with K.L. Saigal, a legend whose voice probably echoed through family get-togethers. People in the industry and beyond knew him as “Maddie Uncle,” a nickname that stuck, especially with the younger crowd. He had three sons—Pravesh, Kamlesh, and Ramnesh—each with their own little dynasties sprouting up in Mumbai. Grandkids galore, basically. Madan called Venus Apartments in Worli Seaface home, perched up on the 11th floor with a killer view, I bet. His story took a sad turn in 1985 when he died of a heart attack at 69. Thing is, his presence lingered on; movies with his performances kept hitting the screens until 1989, with Santosh marking the final curtain call. The guy left more than just a legacy—he left a trail of celluloid memories that kept rolling even after he was gone.