Veteran Actor Achyut Potdar, Iconic for ‘Kehna Kya Chahte Ho’ in 3 Idiots, Passes Away at 91
The Indian film industry mourns the loss of veteran actor Achyut Potdar, who passed away on August 18, 2025, at the age of 91. Best known for his memorable role as the bewildered yet endearing professor in Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster 3 Idiots, Potdar left an indelible mark on both Hindi and Marathi cinema. He passed away at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, Maharashtra, where he was hospitalized for medical complications. Though the reason for his death has not been made public, all indications are that age-related ailments contributed to it. His cremation took place in Thane on 19 August 2025.
Achyut Potdar was born on 22 August 1934 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. His path to fame was far from an ordinary one. A gold medallist in Economics, Potdar first worked as a professor in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, and then in the Indian Army, where he served till his retirement as a Captain in 1967. He then worked for 25 years in the Indian Oil Corporation and retired in 1992 aged 58. It was only at 44 that Potdar decided to take up acting, a hobby that he indulged with incredible passion, showing that talent has no age.
Potdar had a career of more than four decades, in which he worked in over 125 Hindi and Marathi films and almost 100 television serials. His filmography is a proof of his versatility as it has all-time classic titles like Aakrosh, Ardh Satya, Tezaab, Parinda, Rangeela, Vaastav, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Parineeta, Dabangg 2, and Ventilator. Yet it was his minor but memorable appearance in 3 Idiots (2009) that propelled him into pop culture stardom. His “Arey kehna kya chahte ho?” delivered with a blend of bewilderment and command became a viral hit, triggering a multitude of memes and bringing him into a special niche in the audience’s hearts.
Off the silver screen, Potdar was also a household name on TV, playing lead roles in hit serials such as Wagle Ki Duniya, Majha Hoshil Na, Mrs. Tendulkar, and Bharat Ki Khoj. His versatility in switching between cinema, TV, and theatre reflected his incredible range. He collaborated with legendary theatre personalities such as Pandit Satydev Dubey, Vijaya Mehta, and Sulbha Deshpande, earning him a place in performing arts history. His death triggered an outpour of grief on social media with fans and peers from the industry remembering his humility and talent. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who had directed Potdar in his feature debut Jayate, posted a poignant note on X: “I used to be a fan of his as Jaggu dada’s father in my debut film Jayate. The dialogue ‘Ae Jaggu’ from Angaar made him my permanent fan.”.
It was an honor to have guided him.” Fans shared similar views, with one person saying, “His dialogue ‘are kehna kya chahte ho’ will be repeated in our life always.”Achyut Potdar’s daughter, Anuradha Paraskar, has written a book called Achyut Potdar: A Life of Simplicity, Resilience and Commitment, which narrates his rags-to-riches journey from the army to the world of entertainment. His legacy in Indian cinema and television will inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.
As we say goodbye to this cinematic treasure, Achyut Potdar’s legacy remains indelible through his memorable performances and the humility that characterized his profession. His body of work reminds us that passion and doggedness can leave a lasting mark regardless of when one sets out on his journey. Business Connect Magazine expresses its sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.
