Amrish Puri continues to be a legendary figure in Indian cinema, revered for his flawless acting abilities and memorable performances as many different characters. In his illustrious career, one such role that stands out is the appearance of his character in the movie "Loha." What many people might not know is that the dystopian setting of "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior" served as the inspiration for this iconic look. Particularly, the appearance of Amrish Puri's character in "Loha" was influenced by the Golden Youth and Wez from the film "Mad Max 2". Additionally, this mohawk hairstyle entered professional wrestling when Joe Laurinaitis wore it as his "Animal" persona in the renowned tag team "The Road Warriors," also known as the "Legion of Doom."
When it was first released in 1987, "Loha" was a typical Bollywood action film. Amrish Puri's menacing character and his distinctive appearance played a large part in the movie's ability to leave a lasting impression, even though its plot or storyline are not frequently remembered. The mohawk hairstyle worn by Puri as the villain immediately caught the audience's attention. A sign of strength, aggression, and defiance, the mohawk was more than just a hairstyle.
George Miller's post-apocalyptic action masterpiece "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior," which was released in 1981, is a cult favourite. Characters in the movie have distinct, tough looks to help them survive in the hostile environment, which is set in a barren wasteland. Wez and the Golden Youth, two movie characters, had a significant influence on how Amrish Puri styled himself for "Loha."
In "Mad Max 2," Vernon Wells' character Wez serves as one of the main antagonists. He is the right-hand man of Lord Humungus, a brutal and fierce warrior. Wez has a distinctive appearance, including a mohawk hairdo with metal accents and feathers. His aggressive and merciless demeanour are perfectly complemented by this distinctive appearance, making him a memorable character in the movie.
The mohawk hairdo that Amrish Puri's character in "Loha" adopted from Wez perfectly captured the essence of a formidable adversary who is unrelenting in his pursuit of power and dominance. Similar to Wez, Puri had an intimidating and menacing persona, and the mohawk significantly contributed to this impression.
The Golden Youth, played by actor Jerry O'Sullivan, is another notable character in "Mad Max 2." He is a member of a group known as the "Compound Punks" and is recognized for his flamboyant appearance. The Golden Youth's mohawk stands out due to its vibrant golden color, making him visually distinct in the film's post-apocalyptic world.
Amrish Puri's character in "Loha" incorporated elements of the Golden Youth's mohawk style by adding a touch of flamboyance to the look. The combination of the fierce mohawk with a hint of extravagance created a unique and memorable image that set Puri's character apart.
Beyond the world of film, the mohawk hairstyle made its way into professional wrestling thanks to Joe Laurinaitis, who took on the persona of "Animal" in the tag team known as "The Road Warriors," also known as the "Legion of Doom." In the world of wrestling, Laurinaitis and his partner Michael Hegstrand, also known as "Hawk," had a distinctive and menacing presence.
The face paint and distinctive mohawk hairstyles of the Road Warriors made them well-known. The punk-rock fashions of the 1980s, which featured accessories like mohawks, spikes, and leather, served as the basis for their style. Particularly Animal's mohawk resembled the mohawk Amrish Puri later sported in "Loha" and the one seen in "Mad Max 2."
The appearance of Amrish Puri's character in the movie "Loha" is still regarded as a classic illustration of how cinematic inspiration can cross boundaries and influence various forms of entertainment. The mohawk hairstyle made its mark on popular culture by being worn by characters like Wez and the Golden Youth in "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior," as well as in Bollywood and professional wrestling. The mohawk evolved into a representation of strength, disobedience, and individuality, and its legacy continues to influence artistic expression in a variety of media. The portrayal of a menacing villain with a mohawk by Amrish Puri in the film "Loha" is evidence of the enduring influence of cinematic inspiration on character creation and narrative.
"Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam" and Its Oscar Controversy
The Extraordinary Life of Mathunny Mathews, the Real Ranjit Katyal
