MUMBAI: Actor Om Puri, who was accused by his wife Nandita of domestic violence, breathed a sigh of relief when he was finally granted bail. In addition to bail granted Saturday morning, he has been allowed to leave the country on professional assignment.
The beleaguered actor was expected to leave for Britain late Saturday night for the shooting of his new international film The Hundred-Foot Journey, also starring distinguished British actress Helen Mirren. This brings to an end a week-long drama and trauma in Om Puri’s life, which began with his aggrieved wife Nandita accused him of domestic violence.
Nandita was insistent that Om not be allowed to leave the country for his shooting.”Luckily for me the legal system in our country is rational. Yes, I am able to leave for my shooting albeit one day late. Yesterday, on Friday, when I expected bail, the honourable judge was preoccupied with some other case, so he could look into my case only a day later,” said Om Puri.
He has to provide a surety bond of Rs15,000 before he leaves for Britain.” “I also have to get myself an international driving license, since I am shown driving in the film that I am currently shooting. So, there’s a lot to do before I leave. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to getting away from the nightmare of my life in India. I promise you I am going to do well in The Hundred-Foot Journey,” he added.
The actor was arrested on Saturday for allegedly assaulting his wife, who claimed he had assaulted her with a wooden stick on August 22 at their suburban residence after they both had an argument.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2013.
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