Puneet Issar Breaks Silence on the 'Coolie' Incident: “My Career Was Snatched Away”

In 1982, during the filming of the Hindi movie *Coolie*, actor Amitabh Bachchan suffered a severe injury caused by a punch from co-actor Puneet Issar, leading to a life-threatening situation for Bachchan

The incident, although accidental, resulted in Issar facing intense backlash from the media and fans of Amitabh, despite the latter standing by him and urging the public not to blame Issar

Puneet Issar, reflecting on the incident years later, revealed how it drastically altered his career, as he was typecast and lost several opportunities, despite his credentials as a trained and accomplished actor

For nearly six years following the accident, Issar was largely shunned by the film industry until he was offered the role of Duryodhan in the TV series *Mahabharat*, which revived his career and became a defining role

Puneet Issar's acting career eventually flourished, and he appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including *Param Vir Chakra*, *Bharat Ek Khoj*, and *Junoon*, as well as the 2013 remake of *Mahabharat*

Beyond acting, Issar expanded his career into directing, with notable works including *Garv: Pride and Honour* and *Partner*, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry

Despite the setback early in his career, Issar's resilience and talent led him to work in over 150 films across various languages, solidifying his place in Indian cinema

Puneet Issar's journey from being nearly boycotted to becoming a respected actor and director highlights the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the enduring impact of a single incident on a person's career trajectory