‘3 Idiots’ actor Achyut Potdar passes away at 91

Veteran Marathi and Hindi film actor Achyut Potdar, best remembered for his role as the strict professor in "3 Idiots", has died at the age of 91. He passed away on Monday (18 August), at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, where he had been admitted due to health complications. The exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed. His funeral will be held today in Thane.

The news was confirmed after a private television channel shared a tribute post on Instagram.

Potdar's career spanned more than four decades, during which he appeared in over 125 films across Hindi and Marathi cinema. His credits include critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles such as "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 was also a familiar face on Indian television, with appearances in "Bharat Ek Khoj", "All The Best" (Doordarshan), "Pradhan Mantr"i (Zee TV), "Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo" (Zee TV), "Aahat" (Sony TV), "Wagle Ki Duniya", and "Majha Hoshil Na" (Zee Marathi).

Before pursuing acting, Potdar had an illustrious career outside of cinema. He worked as a professor in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, and later joined the Indian Army, retiring as a captain in 1967. He then served as an executive at Indian Oil for nearly 25 years before retiring at 58. At 44, he ventured into films, fulfilling his long-time passion for acting.

His legacy in both cinema and television remains profound, with contributions that will continue to inspire generations to come.