Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, who was going to direct the actor in his new movie, told IANS over phone: "It is a very sad news. Om Puriji passed away after a heart attack today morning. He was at his home."

"His body of work in the Indian film industry has been tremendous across the commercial and parallel genres. We've lost a great talent."
 

Actor Anupam Kher, a close friend of Om Puri, said he had spoken to him just two days ago, and the disheartening news of his demise was broken to him by filmmaker Ashoke Pandit.

Kher described Om Puri as a "kind and generous" person, who spent four decades in showbiz with an undying passion towards his craft.

Seeing him lying on his bed looking so calm can’t believe that one of our greatest actors #OmPuri is no more. Deeply saddened & shocked.

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) January 6, 2017

I have known #OmPuri for d last 43yrs. For me he’ll always b a great actor, a kind & generous man. And that is how world shud remember him.

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) January 6, 2017

Sad & shocked to know that versatile actor Om Puri jee has expired due to heart attack early morning today. #RIP.

— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) January 6, 2017