Mumbai, August 21: Achyut Potdar, a notable character actor in Bollywood, has left an indelible mark on the Hindi film industry. Just as leading actors, singers, and producers have elevated the industry, character actors like Potdar have also played a crucial role in its evolution.
Best known for his role as a strict professor in the blockbuster film “3 Idiots,” Potdar is fondly remembered for his iconic dialogues, including “Kya baat hai” and “Are, kehna kya chahte ho?”
Born on August 22, 1934, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Potdar initially worked as an economics professor in Rewa after completing his education. He later joined the Indian Army, retiring as a Captain in 1967 after years of dedicated service.
Following his military career, he worked as an executive at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), retiring in 1992. It was during his tenure there that he ventured into acting at the age of 44, debuting in the film “Aakrosh” in 1980.
Over his four-decade-long acting career, Potdar appeared in more than 125 Bollywood and Marathi films. He also featured in numerous television series and plays. His portrayal of a strict professor in “3 Idiots” remains one of his most beloved roles.
In addition to “3 Idiots,” Potdar acted in films like “Lage Raho Munna Bhai,” “Ishq,” “Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman,” “Dabangg 2,” “Aakrosh,” “Tezaab,” “Parinda,” “Rangeela,” “Vaastav,” and “Parineeta,” all of which were well-received by audiences. On television, he was seen in shows like “Wagle Ki Duniya,” “Bharat Ek Khoj,” and the Marathi series “Majha Hoshil Na.”
Achyut Potdar passed away on the night of August 18, 2025, at the age of 90 in a Thane hospital in Mumbai. He will always be remembered for his contributions to cinema, especially for his memorable line, “Are bhai, kehna kya chahte ho?” from “3 Idiots.”
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