Actor who played professor in Hirani’s ‘3 Idiots’ dies at 91

Achyut Potdar appeared in more than 125 films across Hindi and Marathi cinema

Actor Achyut Potdar, who charmed audiences with his memorable line, “Areh Kehna Kya Chahte Ho” (What do you want to say?) in the role of a professor in the Bollywood film “3 Idiots”, has died.

According to Indian broadcaster NDTV, Potdar passed away on Monday at Jupiter Hospital in Maharashtra at the age of 91.

He had been experiencing health complications related to old age. Family members said his last rites will be held in Thane on Tuesday.

Potdar’s dialogue from “3 Idiots”, released 16 years ago, has become widely recognised and frequently appears in social media memes.

Before his acting career, Potdar worked in education and then joined the Indian Army, retiring as a captain in 1967.

He later joined Indian Oil, where he held senior positions for roughly 25 years.

While continuing his government career, Potdar acted on stage and eventually entered the film industry at the age of 44, gradually establishing his presence in cinema.

Throughout his career, he appeared in more than 125 films across Hindi and Marathi cinema.

His performances in films such as “Aakrosh,” “Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai,” “Ardh Satya,” “Tezaab,” “Parinda,” “Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman,” “Dilwale,” “Hum Saath Saath Hain,” “Parineeta,” “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.,” “Dabangg 2,” and “Bhoothnath” earned widespread praise.

However, Rajkumar Hirani’s “3 Idiots” marked a defining moment in Potdar’s career.

Following his death, colleagues, fans, and well-wishers paid tribute to him on social media.