3 Idiots star Achyut Potdar dies at 91

Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, best remembered for his role in Aamir Khan’s cult classic 3 Idiots, passed away at the age of 91.

The actor breathed his last in a hospital in Thane, following age-related ailments.

According to reports, his last rites will be performed, August 19. Potdar’s family confirmed that the actor had been unwell for some time, and his health had gradually deteriorated due to old age.

Achyut Potdar carved a unique space in Bollywood with his effortless performances in both films and television. In 3 Idiots, his memorable line “Kehna kya chahte ho?” became iconic among fans, reflecting the comic yet relatable frustrations of a professor dealing with his students. Beyond Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster, he was also noted for impactful roles in films like Angaar and in several TV serials, earning admiration for his natural screen presence.

Tributes poured in from the film fraternity soon after the news broke. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta was among the first to mourn the loss, sharing a heartfelt note on social media. He recalled, “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,l Achyut Potdar sir.”

Fans too expressed their grief online, with many revisiting clips from 3 Idiots to celebrate his contribution to cinema. Social media was filled with nostalgic posts, as admirers remembered him for the warmth, wit, and authenticity he brought to his characters.

Potdar, who began his acting career relatively late in life, had appeared in more than 125 films and 95 TV serials over the years, often portraying dignified supporting roles that left lasting impressions. His journey from being a corporate professional to a widely respected character actor is often cited as an inspiring late-bloomer story in Bollywood.