Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, widely known for his role as a professor in Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘3 Idiots’, passed away on August 18, 2025. He was 91. The actor, who acted in more than 125 Hindi and Marathi films and over 100 TV serials, reportedly breathed his last at Jupiter Hospital in Thane. The cause of his demise has not been disclosed. His final rites are scheduled for August 19, 2025, in Thane.
Worked in the Indian Army before films
Achyut Potdar joined the film and TV industry at the age of 44. Before acting, he had worked in the Indian Armed Forces and the Indian Oil Company. After graduating from college, he became a professor in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, before joining the Indian Army. Over the years, he became known for his versatility in both films and television.
Iconic role in ‘3 Idiots’
Achyut Potdar is best remembered for his role as a college professor in ‘3 Idiots’, starring Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, and R Madhavan. His famous line, ‘Kehna Kya Chahte Ho’, went viral and became a favourite on social media, inspiring countless memes.
Fans and celebs share heartfelt tributes
Many fans took to social media to remember him and recalled his iconic line, a fan wrote, “Arrey Kehna Kya Chahte Ho?❗️ Achyut Potdar, 3 Idiots fame, passes away at 91 😢 Om Shanti 🙏” Other fans wrote similar messages on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the love and admiration they had for the veteran actor. Director Hansal Mehta also shared his tribute, “I was a fan of his character as Jaggu dada’s father. The line ‘Ae Jaggu’ from ‘Angaar’ made me his permanent fan. Was a privilege to have directed him in my directorial debut ‘Jayate’. He played a professional medical witness. Amazing timing and a super caustic sense of humour. Go well Achyut Potdar sir.”
Films that showcased his talent
Over his long career, Achyut Potdar appeared 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’. These roles made him a familiar face in both Hindi and Marathi cinema.Achyut Potdar’s contribution to Indian cinema and television will be remembered for his natural performances and memorable dialogues. His work connected with audiences across generations, from fans of ‘3 Idiots’ to those who loved his television roles.
