‘3 Idiots’ Actor Achyut Potdar Passes Away at 91

Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, best remembered for his iconic role in 3 Idiots, passed away on August 18, 2025, at the age of 91. He breathed his last at Jupiter Hospital in Thane due to age-related health complications. His demise has left the Indian film industry and fans mourning the loss of a much-loved character actor who brought authenticity and warmth to every role he played. His last rites were performed on August 19, 2025, in Thane.

Early Life and Career Journey

Achyut Potdar was born on August 22, 1934, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. A brilliant student, he completed his post-graduation in Economics, securing a gold medal. Before entering the world of cinema, Potdar lived several different lives—he worked as a professor in Rewa, served in the Indian Army as a Captain until 1967, and later joined Indian Oil Corporation, where he worked for almost 25 years.

At the age of 58, after taking voluntary retirement, Potdar began his full-fledged acting journey. What started as a late entry into films turned into a remarkable four-decade career, with over 125 films and around 100 television shows to his credit.

Bollywood and Television Contributions

Though he entered Bollywood relatively late, Achyut Potdar carved a unique niche for himself. He often played roles of professors, fathers, office managers, and elderly mentors with unmatched conviction. His calm demeanor and relatable screen presence made him a reliable actor that filmmakers admired.

Some of his most memorable films include:

• Tezaab (1988)
• Parinda (1989)
• Rangeela (1995)
• Vaastav (1999)
• Parineeta (2005)
• Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
• 3 Idiots (2009)
• Dabangg 2 (2012)
• Ventilator (2016)

However, it was 3 Idiots that made him a household name. Playing a strict professor in the film, his line “Arre, kehna kya chahte ho?” became iconic and is still remembered fondly by audiences. The dialogue went viral across social media platforms, making him an internet sensation years after the film’s release.

On television, he was equally active and appeared in shows like Bharat Ek Khoj, Wagle Ki Duniya, and Marathi dramas such as Majha Hoshil Na. His versatility allowed him to seamlessly shift between Bollywood, regional cinema, and TV.

A Life Beyond Acting

What made Achyut Potdar stand out was not just his acting but also his life story. Few actors can boast of having lived such diverse professional lives—professor, soldier, corporate executive, and then actor. His late but successful entry into films served as an inspiration, proving that passion and talent can shine at any age.

Tributes from Film Industry and Fans

The news of Potdar’s passing triggered a wave of tributes from across the entertainment industry.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta expressed his grief, saying it was a privilege to work with him. Marathi channel Star Pravah posted an emotional tribute on Instagram:

“A heartfelt tribute to senior actor Achyut Potdar. His smile, simplicity, and honesty in every role will always be remembered.”

Fans, too, flooded social media with clips of his 3 Idiots dialogue, sharing how his small but impactful roles added charm to some of Bollywood’s biggest films. Many described him as “the man who made supporting roles unforgettable.”

Legacy

Achyut Potdar’s passing marks the end of an era for Indian cinema’s character actors. He may not have been a lead star, but his presence in films always left a lasting impression. His journey—from the army to classrooms, corporate boardrooms, and finally to film sets—embodied discipline, dedication, and humility.

In an industry where many chase stardom, Potdar stood out as a true artist, respected by peers and loved by audiences. His legacy will live on through the countless films and shows where his performances continue to inspire.

Conclusion

The death of Achyut Potdar is not just a loss for Bollywood but for every movie lover who admired his simplicity and sincerity on screen. At 91, he leaves behind a treasure of work that will continue to bring smiles, nostalgia, and inspiration for generations to come.

As fans revisit his iconic line from 3 Idiots—“Kehna kya chahte ho?”—the industry collectively replies: You gave us unforgettable moments, sir, and we will always remember you.

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