Om Puri says sorry for derogatory remarks against politicians

Actor Om Puri, who recently created an uproar in political circles by calling Indian MPs illiterate and useless, has apologised for his 'unfortunate' remarks by saying that those words were uttered in the heat of the moment and were not meant to malign politicians.

Puri, who was present on stage at the Ramlila grounds in support of Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement on Friday, launched a tirade against politicians by telling the crowds that he feels "ashamed when an IAS or IPS officer salutes a ganwaar (illiterate) neta (politician).

As thousands cheered him on, the actor added, "Yeh anpadh hain, inka kya background hai? Aadhe se zyaada MP ganwaar aur nalaayak hain.(They are uneducated, what's their background? More than half of the MPs are illiterate and useless)."

However, Puri seems to have realised that his choice of words was inappropriate when MPs across political parties objected to his speech with several claiming that he was drunk since his speech was slurry and he had to be escorted from the stage.

"I was not drunk just emotionally charged and had to take help in getting off the stage because of an aching leg," the actor clarified.

Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar said on Monday that she was considering a privilege motion against the actor since she had received several notices against him from political leaders.

"I respect the parliament and the Indian Costitution. I am very proud to be an Indian. It was wrong on my part to use such terms," the actor said, adding that he will go to the parliament, if the need arises, to explain himself and his actions to political leaders. "I am even willing to take punishment if they think I wronged them," Puri said.