Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, best known for his memorable role as a college professor in the hit film 3 Idiots, passed away on Monday in Thane, Maharashtra, at the age of 91. As per the reports, the actor was admitted to Jupiter Hospital in Thane due to health complications. The exact cause of his death has not been revealed, but reports suggest he had been recently hospitalised due to age-related health issues.
Achyut Potdar dies at 91
His funeral is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, August 19 in Thane. Star Pravah confirmed his passing on social media, remembering him for his warmth, simplicity, and honesty in every role he played.
Throughout his extensive career, he appeared in over 125 Hindi and Marathi films and acted in close to 100 television shows. Director Hansal Mehta expressed his admiration for the actor, recalling his memorable role as Jaggu Dada’s father in the film Angaar. Mourning the demise of the actor, the filmmaker also mentioned the privilege of working with him during his own directorial debut, Jayate, where the actor portrayed a professional medical witness known for his sharp timing and dry wit.
Moreover, Achyut Potdar is fondly remembered for his role as the strict college professor in 3 Idiots, which became iconic, especially for his dialogue, “Kehna kya chahte ho?” that went viral and became a popular meme on social media.
All you need to know about Achyut Potdar
But, did you know that before becoming an actor, he was both a professor and an Indian Army officer? Before his acting career, Potdar served in the Indian Army and retired in 1967. Prior to joining the military, he worked as a professor in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. In addition to these profession, he also worked at the Indian Oil Corporation.
He entered the industry at the age of 44. Achyut Potdar’s film career includes more than 125 Hindi and Marathi films. Some of his notable works include Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Parineeta, Dabangg 2, Ventilator, Tezaab, Rangeela, and Vaastav.
On television, the veteran actor appeared in popular series such as Wagle Ki Duniya, Bharat Ki Khoj, Majha Hoshil Na, and Mrs. Tendulkar. He was also active in Marathi cinema. From serving the nation as an Army officer and educating students as a professor, to winning hearts as an actor, his journey remains an inspiring example of dedication and passion.
Achyut Potdar dies at 91
His funeral is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, August 19 in Thane. Star Pravah confirmed his passing on social media, remembering him for his warmth, simplicity, and honesty in every role he played.
Throughout his extensive career, he appeared in over 125 Hindi and Marathi films and acted in close to 100 television shows. Director Hansal Mehta expressed his admiration for the actor, recalling his memorable role as Jaggu Dada’s father in the film Angaar. Mourning the demise of the actor, the filmmaker also mentioned the privilege of working with him during his own directorial debut, Jayate, where the actor portrayed a professional medical witness known for his sharp timing and dry wit.
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.… pic.twitter.com/xxf82E4PMb
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) August 19, 2025
Moreover, Achyut Potdar is fondly remembered for his role as the strict college professor in 3 Idiots, which became iconic, especially for his dialogue, “Kehna kya chahte ho?” that went viral and became a popular meme on social media.
All you need to know about Achyut Potdar
But, did you know that before becoming an actor, he was both a professor and an Indian Army officer? Before his acting career, Potdar served in the Indian Army and retired in 1967. Prior to joining the military, he worked as a professor in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. In addition to these profession, he also worked at the Indian Oil Corporation.
He entered the industry at the age of 44. Achyut Potdar’s film career includes more than 125 Hindi and Marathi films. Some of his notable works include Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Parineeta, Dabangg 2, Ventilator, Tezaab, Rangeela, and Vaastav.
On television, the veteran actor appeared in popular series such as Wagle Ki Duniya, Bharat Ki Khoj, Majha Hoshil Na, and Mrs. Tendulkar. He was also active in Marathi cinema. From serving the nation as an Army officer and educating students as a professor, to winning hearts as an actor, his journey remains an inspiring example of dedication and passion.
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