Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, known for ‘3 Idiots’ and popular meme, passes away at 91

Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, remembered for his role as the stern yet humorous professor in Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots, passed away on Monday in Thane, Mumbai. He was 91.

Potdar was admitted to Jupiter Hospital with health complications, and his last rites will be held in Mumbai on Tuesday.

For today’s generation, Potdar also became an internet sensation as the face behind the viral “Are, kehna kya chahte ho?” meme, drawn from his iconic classroom scene in 3 Idiots. The moment, which captured his witty exchange with students, continues to circulate widely across social media.

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In a career spanning over three decades, he worked in more than 125 Hindi and Marathi films and close to 100 television shows. While his comic timing in 3 Idiots won him widespread recognition, Potdar’s work extended across genres, making him a familiar face in cinema and television.

His professional journey was as diverse as his acting career. After completing his studies, he began as a professor in Madhya Pradesh before serving in the Indian Army, where he retired as a captain in 1967. Later, he worked with Indian Oil for nearly 25 years, retiring as an executive in 1992. Alongside his corporate career, he actively engaged in theatre and cultural activities, which eventually paved his way into films.

Entering the film industry at the age of 44, Potdar became a regular in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s projects and went on to appear in films like Dabangg 2 and Ferrari Ki Sawaari. On television, he essayed varied roles, including Jayaprakash Narayan in Pradhanmantri, and appeared in shows such as Amita Ka Amit and Aandolan.

Achyut Potdar’s life reflects an extraordinary blend of discipline, passion, and artistry, leaving behind a legacy cherished both on screen and in the digital age.