Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, best known for his memorable role as a professor in 3 Idiots, passed away at 91 in Thane. With over four decades in cinema and television, he appeared in more than 125 films and left behind a legacy as a humble and versatile performer
Achyut Potdar
Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, widely remembered for his impactful role in 3 Idiots, passed away at the age of 91. He breathed his last on August 18, 2025, at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, where he had been admitted due to age-related health issues. His funeral will take place on August 19 in Thane.
Achyut Potdar's iconic 3 Idiots scene
Although Achyut Potdar had been acting for decades, it was his role in 3 Idiots that brought him immense recognition. In the film, he played a professor in a memorable classroom scene featuring Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi. His interaction with Khan’s character, along with his iconic dialogue “Aakhi kehna kya chahte ho,” became a pop-culture reference, still widely used on social media and in memes today.
Achyut Potdar’s journey to acting
Before entering the film industry, Potdar served in the Indian Armed Forces and later worked with the Indian Oil Corporation. He joined the Armed forces a year after his marriage through the Emergency Commission. When his tenure ended, he retired in 1967 with the rank of captain. He later worked for 25 years as an executive at Indian Oil and retired in 1992 at the age of 58. While at Indian Oil, Potdar actively participated in theatrical projects, plays, and cultural activities. His passion for acting eventually led him to cinema and television in the 1980s. He made his acting debut with the Hindi film Aakrosh. Over the course of four decades, he became an integral part of the industry.
Potdar acted in more than 125 films across Hindi and Marathi cinema, with notable titles including Aakrosh, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai, Ardh Satya, Tezaab, Parinda, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dilwale, Rangeela, Vaastav, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dabangg 2, and Ventilator.
He also made a strong mark on television with shows like Wagle Ki Duniya, Majha Hoshil Na, Mrs. Tendulkar, and Bharat Ki Khoj. A deeply respected artist, Potdar’s passing has led to an outpouring of grief from admirers and colleagues. He is remembered as a humble, dedicated performer whose work left a lasting impression on audiences.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
