Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, popularly known for his role of a professor in Aamir Khan headliner 3 Idiots (2009) passed away on Monday. He was 91.
The actor worked in over 125 Hindi and Marathi films and more than 100 TV serials. The exact cause of his death has not been revealed.
According to some reports, he was recently admitted to a hospital in Thane due to age-related health complications. His funeral will take place on August 19 in Thane.
The news of his death was also confirmed on social media by the official Instagram handle of Star Pravah. “A heartfelt tribute to senior actor Achyut Potdar… His smile, simplicity and honesty in every role will always be remembered,” reads the note posted by the channel.
Potdar was widely known via a scene in Rajkumar Hirani’s comedy-drama 3 Idiots, where he played a confused professor. His iconic line “Areh, kehna kya chahte ho? (What do you want to say?)” became famous as a meme template.
Potdar didn’t train as an actor. He joined the industry at the age of 44. Before venturing into films and theatre, he was a professor at Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, and later joined the Indian Army from which he retired as a captain in 1967. He later worked with Indian Oil as an executive for a period of nearly 25 years and retired at the age of 58 in 1992.
Over the years, the actor worked in films such as Aakrosh, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai, Ardh Satya, Tezaab, Parinda, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dilwale, Yeh Dillagi, Rangeela, Mritydand, Yeshwant, Ishq, Vaastav, Aa Ab Laut Chalen, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, Dabangg 2, and Ventilator.
When it comes to TV, Potdar featured in shows such as Wagle Ki Duniya, Majha Hoshil Na, Mrs Tendulkar, and Bharat Ki Khoj.