‘3 Idiots’ Fame professor No More: Film Industry Pays Tribute to Veteran Actor

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): Veteran Bollywood and Marathi cinema actor Achyut Potdar has passed away at the age of 91. He breathed his last at Jupiter Hospital in Thane. The actor had been struggling with health issues for some time. Reportedly, he collapsed suddenly and was rushed to the hospital, where his condition deteriorated further during treatment. His demise has left the entire film industry in mourning.

Achyut Potdar was a rare artist who never allowed age to come in the way of his dreams. Before stepping into films, he served the nation as an officer in the Indian Army. Later, he worked at Indian Oil Corporation for several years. However, his passion for acting remained alive, and at the age of 44, he finally entered the world of cinema, gradually winning everyone’s heart with his performances.

In his illustrious career, he acted in over 125 films. His filmography includes memorable titles like Tezaab, Parinda, Dilwale, Damini, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Parineeta, Ferrari Ki Sawaari, Dabangg 2, and 3 Idiots. His role as the professor in 3 Idiots may have been brief, but it left a lasting impact. His famous dialogue “Arey, kehna kya chahte ho?” still resonates with fans and continues to be widely shared in memes on social media.

Potdar did not limit himself to films alone. He made a strong mark in television with shows like Bharat Ek Khoj, Wagle Ki Duniya, and Shubh Mangal Savadhan. On stage, he collaborated with stalwarts like Satyadev Dubey, Vijaya Mehta, and Sulabha Deshpande. His daughter, Anuradha Paraskar, confirmed his passing and informed that the last rites will be performed on Tuesday evening in Thane.