Achyut Potdar passes away at 91: Hansal Mehta says it was a ..

This is a rather sad piece of news. Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, the man who could turn even a single line into pop culture gold, has bid his final goodbye at the age of 91. He is best remembered as the professor in 3 Idiots who made the dialogue “Kehna kya chahte ho” a forever meme. Potdar passed away on August 18 at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, and his last rites will be held on August 19.

Before he became a screen regular, Potdar lived many lives. He was once a college professor, later an officer in the Indian Army, and even worked with Indian Oil before finally stepping into films at the age of 44. What began as a late entry into cinema became a career spanning more than 125 films and over 100 television serials. He slipped effortlessly into every role, whether in Marathi cinema or Bollywood blockbusters, becoming that familiar face audiences instantly trusted.

Social media has since been flooded with tributes. Fans fondly recalled his iconic 3 Idiots line, while filmmaker Hansal Mehta praised his impeccable timing and sharp wit, remembering how Potdar won him over in Angaar and later shone in his directorial debut Jayate.

From Tezaab and Parinda to Rangeela, Vaastav, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, and of course 3 Idiots, his filmography reads like a guided tour through Indian cinema’s greatest hits.

Achyut Potdar may have left the stage, but his performances remain timeless. He was never just a supporting actor—he was the quiet scene-stealer, the one who made sure you remembered him long after the lights went down.
**This news was published on Times of India on 19th August, 2025.

 

 

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