Om Puri gets bail, leaves for shooting in Britain

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" with the distinguished British actress Helen Mirren.

This brings to an end a week-long drama and trauma in Om Puri's life when 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 got busy 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 Rs.15,000 before he leaves for Britain.

"I also have to get myself an international driving licence since I am shown driving in the film that I shoot. 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 said.