Achyut Potdar, a notable figure in Indian cinema and television, has passed away at the age of 90 in Mumbai. Remembered for his diverse roles, Potdar’s contributions to film and television were significant, with memorable performances in classics and a lasting impact on audiences.

Entertainment

-Gaurav Sharma

Updated: Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 18:42 [IST]

Veteran
film
and
television
actor

Achyut
Potdar,
known
for
his
memorable
roles
in
both
cinema
and
television,
passed
away
at
the
age
of
90
on
Monday
night.
He
died
at

Jupiter
Hospital
in
Mumbai
following
heart-related
complications.

According
to

Dr.
Ravindra
Ghawat,
Director
of
the
Critical
Care
Department
at
the
hospital,
Potdar
was
admitted
around
4
pm
with

severe
breathing
difficulties
and
cardiovascular
issues.
Despite
being
shifted
to
the
ICU
and
placed
under
observation
for
high
blood
pressure
and
weakened
heart
function,
he
was
declared
dead
at
10:30
pm.

The
Face
of
Familiar
Characters

Achyut
Potdar
may
not
have
always
played
lead
roles,
but
his
presence
in
films
and
serials
was
unforgettable.
His
performances
often
gave
a
sense
of
depth
and
relatability
to
supporting
characters.
Over
the
decades,
he
worked
in
more
than

125
films
and
countless
television
serials,
steadily
building
a
reputation
as
an
actor
who
could
bring
credibility
to
any
role.

Audiences
remember
him
from

landmark
films
like
Tezaab,
Parineeta,
Aandolan,
Dabangg
2,
and
Ferrari
Ki
Sawaari.
On
television,
his
work
in
classics
such
as

Bharat
Ek
Khoj
and

Pradhan
Mantri
showcased
his
range
beyond
mainstream
cinema.

The
Professor
in
3
Idiots

Among
younger
audiences,
Potdar
is
best
remembered
for
his

professor
role
in
Rajkumar
Hirani’s
blockbuster

3
Idiots.
Though
his
screen
time
was
brief,
his
dialogue

“Kehna
Kya
Chahte
Ho”
became
an
iconic
line,
echoing
far
beyond
the
movie’s
release.
It
was
quickly
picked
up
in
pop
culture,
endlessly
recreated
in
memes
and
social
media
references.

This
single
scene
captured
what
made
Potdar
unique—his
ability
to

turn
small
roles
into
lasting
impressions.

A
Steady
Career
of
Versatility

Unlike
many
actors
of
his
generation,
Potdar
never
confined
himself
to
one
kind
of
role.
Whether
as
a
teacher,
a
bureaucrat,
a
doctor,
or
a
father
figure,
he
brought
authenticity
to
each
performance.
Directors
valued
him
for
his

discipline
and
naturalistic
style,
while
audiences
found
comfort
in
his
familiar
face.

Tributes
and
Legacy

As
news
of
his
passing
spread,
tributes
poured
in
from
actors,
filmmakers,
and
fans
who
had
grown
up
seeing
him
on
screen.
Many
described
him
as
an
actor
who
was
not
always
in
the
spotlight
but
whose
work

quietly
strengthened
the
projects
he
was
part
of.

His
career
is
a
testament
to
the
importance
of

character
actors
in
Indian
cinema—performers
who
may
not
headline
posters
but
who

enrich
stories
and
leave
behind
unforgettable
moments.