Unable to attend the premiere of his new English film, West is West, Om Puri does the next best thing -- 125 press interviews in all of three days

As if making a film isn't tiring enough, Om Puri shows us that promoting it is no mean task either. A grand premiere was planned for Puri's new international film, West Is West on February 25. But the actor ended up missing it. Puri was unable to attend the premiere since he was shooting for Karan Johar's Agneepath in Mumbai.

To make up, the actor visited London earlier this month and gave 125 press interviews in three days!

"They are releasing 200 prints of West Is West in England. This is unprecedented for a film with an Indian theme. But then the earlier film, East Is East (1999) was a surprise hit. The producers want to cash in with the sequel, " says Puri.

He admitted that his assignment at home prevented him from going to London for the premiere. "Agneepath is an important film. I play the role of an honest cop, which was played by Vikram Gokhale in the original 1990 film. I knew I couldn't be present in London for the premiere. So I went earlier this month to London for press interviews."

Although Johar is known to accommodate schedules of his friends, he was in no mood to let Puri off, even for a day. Puri tries not to sound disappointed. "The rest of the cast was there. My presence would've made a difference since I am the principal character. Lekin chalta hai.

I'm glad I've enough work to keep me busy all year around." West Is West will release in India and abroad on April 1, the same day as Puri's comedy, Teen Thay Bhai. "I consider myself lucky to have both my English and Hindi films releasing on the same Friday, " he said.