When Amrish Puri’s character had a 99-word name: scene that made alphabets feel insufficient

By NI Bureau | 04/06/2025 | Categories: Entertainment

A forgotten scene from the 1980 cult classic Ali Baba Aur Chalis Chor resurfaces online, leaving audiences in splits as Amrish Puri delivers the longest, and most dramatic character introduction in Bollywood history

For many, the words “Khul ja Sim Sim” evoke a world of magical caves, hidden treasure, and fearsome bandits. These childhood memories found new life in the 1980 Bollywood fantasy epic Ali Baba Aur Chalis Chor, a film that has since become a cult classic. But here’s a fun fact that’s now taking the internet by storm: Amrish Puri’s character in the film had a name so long, it could practically outlast the alphabet.

The viral scene and the 99-word name

A decades-old scene from the film has recently gone viral on social media. It shows veteran actor Amrish Puri introducing himself to Dharmendra’s character in an elaborate, breath-defying monologue that begins:

“Wali-e-Eid-e-Saltanat Awaaz Khudai Khidmatgar Janbaaz Mujahid Shifa Salare Lashkar-e-Fidayeen Rajooli Al-Jabba-al-Raasir…”

The expression on Dharmendra’s face says it all—surprise, amusement, and perhaps even a bit of disbelief. The name just keeps going, making it one of the most amusing and memorable introductions ever seen on screen. In the film, Puri played a formidable and theatrical antagonist, the leader of the infamous forty thieves.

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Social media users have embraced the scene with glee, sharing it across platforms with humorous captions, memes, and modern-day parallels. The clip has become a viral sensation; proof of how timelessly entertaining classic Bollywood can be.

About the film

Ali Baba Aur Chalis Chor, released in 1980, remains one of the most talked-about fantasy films of its era. Featuring a star-studded cast including Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Zeenat Aman, and Amrish Puri, the Indo-Soviet co-production was a cinematic spectacle. Its elaborate sets, gripping story, and memorable music cemented its place as a classic of Hindi cinema.

What added to the film’s charm was Puri’s unforgettable villainous role—and of course, his outrageously long name that seems to challenge even the most fluent speakers of Urdu and Persian.

What’s in a name?

In real life, a name that long might leave even the boldest passport officer speechless. But on screen, Amrish Puri delivered it with such gravity and flair that it became a masterclass in character acting. The combination of his booming voice and majestic screen presence turned what could have been a mere gimmick into an iconic cinematic moment.

Decades later, audiences still laugh, marvel, and rewind that scene, reminding us once again why Ali Baba Aur Chalis Chor is not just a film—it’s a piece of unforgettable movie magic.

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