Achyut Potdar Passes Away at 91: From Army Captain to Bollywood’s Beloved Professor

August 20, 2025 – Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, known for his memorable roles in Bollywood films and TV serials, passed away on August 19, 2025 at Jupiter Hospital in Thane. He was 91 years old and was admitted for age-related health problems. His last rites were performed on August 19 in Thane, where family, friends, and admirers gathered to pay their final respects.

Early Life and Background

Achyut Potdar had an extraordinary life before joining the world of films. Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, in 1934, he grew up in a simple family background. He studied Economics at Nagpur University and later completed his post-graduation in Economics. His educational background shaped his early years, but destiny had bigger plans for him.

He first joined the Indian Army and served as a Captain. After leaving the army, he worked as a professor at Jabalpur’s Jabalpur College of Commerce. Later, he entered the corporate sector and worked at Indian Oil Corporation for nearly 25 years. Even while working in the corporate world, he participated in plays and cultural events. His passion for acting never left him, and eventually, it became his second career.

Entry into Films

Surprisingly, Achyut Potdar entered films quite late in life. He started acting in his mid-40s, around the age of 44. Unlike many others who struggled for roles, Potdar believed in taking whatever opportunities came his way. He never chased stardom. Instead, he built a reputation as a dependable character actor. Directors valued him for his discipline, punctuality, and realistic acting style.

He appeared in more than 125 Hindi and Marathi films and over 100 television shows. His work was not limited to films and TV alone. He also acted in theatre plays and advertisements. His face became instantly familiar to audiences, even if many did not know his name.

Bollywood Journey

Potdar’s film career is filled with memorable roles. He acted in major hits across decades, such as:

Tezaab (1988) – where he played Anil Kapoor’s father figure.
Parinda (1989) – another cult classic of Indian cinema.
Rangeela (1995) – where his brief but powerful presence was remembered.
Vaastav (1999) – one of Sanjay Dutt’s biggest films.
Parineeta (2005) – where he played a supporting but warm role.
Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) – where his screen presence added charm.
3 Idiots (2009) – his most iconic performance for younger audiences.
Dabangg 2 (2012), Ventilator (2016), and several others.

In each film, his characters stood out for their natural acting and comic timing. Even in smaller roles, he created an impact.

Iconic Role in 3 Idiots

Among all his roles, the one that made him unforgettable for today’s generation was his part in 3 Idiots. He played the strict professor who delivered the famous line – “Arey, kehna kya chahte ho?” This dialogue became so popular that it turned into a meme shared by millions on social media. Even today, fans recall this scene whenever the movie is discussed.

That single dialogue captured his gift of expression – serious, funny, and memorable at the same time. For many young fans, Achyut Potdar became the “ever-curious professor” of Hindi cinema.

Television Career

On television, he was equally successful. He acted in:

Bharat Ek Khoj (1988), based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s “Discovery of India”.
Wagle Ki Duniya (1989), where his comic timing was loved.
Mrs. Tendulkar (2011).
Majha Hoshil Na (2020) – a Marathi TV serial where he played a wise and loving grandfather figure.
Pradhanmantri (2013), a docu-drama series.

His TV career made him a household name in both Hindi and Marathi homes.

Tributes from the Industry

The news of his death was met with sadness across the film industry. Social media was flooded with tributes from fans, actors, and filmmakers. Among them, director Hansal Mehta wrote a heartfelt message.

Mehta shared that he had become a “permanent fan” of Potdar after watching him in Angaar. He recalled Potdar’s famous line “Ae Jaggu” from the movie, which stayed with him for years. He also mentioned that it was a privilege to direct Potdar in his debut film Jayate. In that movie, Potdar played a professional medical witness and impressed everyone with his perfect timing and humor.

Hansal Mehta described him as an actor with amazing timing, sharp wit, and a caustic sense of humor. His words reflected the respect that filmmakers had for Potdar, not just as an actor, but also as a person who was warm and professional on set.

Fans Remember the Legend

Fans on social media remembered him as the professor from 3 Idiots and shared clips of his dialogue. Many also recalled his roles in Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Parinda. Admirers from both Hindi and Marathi cinema expressed how his characters made them smile, laugh, or think deeply. For many viewers, he was an actor who looked like someone from their own family – trustworthy, relatable, and endearing.

Life Beyond Acting

Even though Achyut Potdar never aimed for stardom, his journey itself was inspirational. From being an Army Captain to a college professor, from a corporate employee to a veteran actor, he lived many lives in one lifetime. He often said in interviews that acting was a hobby that turned into a full-time career.

He also showed that it is never too late to follow your passion. Starting his acting career at 44, he still managed to do more than 200 projects across films, serials, and plays. His work ethic and discipline came from his army and corporate background, which made him one of the most reliable actors in the industry.