Actor Om Puri accused the media of sensationlising segments of his biography written by his wife Nandita, causing "much embarrassment" to him and his family.

Reacting to media focus on parts of the book by his journalist wife, pertaining to his relationship with various women, Puri, the parallel cinema veteran, who made a mark in movies like 'Ardh Satya', Richard Attenborough's 'Gandhi' and 'Mrityudand', said he was pained by the sensationalism.

"I am proud of my story, my childhood and my journey and I see it as an inspirational story for millions of Indians. The book 'Unlikely Hero' is a tribute to my friends, my colleagues, my mentors and the women in my life. Nandita is a journalist of repute and I am proud of her writing. I have read some parts of the book and it sounds dignified and good," Puri said in a statement.

"Unfortunately, the media has picked up certain portions out of context and glorified it. They have blown it out of proportion and added words I have not said or even heard of. It has upset my family, especially my twelve-year-old son and he has taken it badly," the actor said.

"It has tarnished Nandita's reputation as a serious writer and my image as well. It pains me that because of the sensationalism by certain segments of the press, my family and I have to go through so much embarrassment," Puri added.