The bright lights of the entertainment world dimmed a little recently. Achyut Potdar, a familiar face known for his memorable supporting roles, passed away at 91. He was the kind of actor who made every scene count, even with just a few lines.
Many will remember him as the professor in Aamir Khan’s hit film, ‘3 Idiots’. He delivered one particular line that became famous: ‘Arre kehna kya chahte ho?’ That simple question, meaning ‘Hey, what do you want to say?’, quickly resonated with audiences. It jumped from the screen right into everyday conversations. You can still spot it in countless online memes today, a testament to its lasting impact.
Before he ever stepped onto a film set, Potdar lived a full and varied life. He wasn’t always dreaming of the silver screen. In fact, his path took many turns. He once taught as a professor in Rewa, a city in Madhya Pradesh. Later, he joined the army, serving his country with dedication. He retired from military service as a Captain in 1967.
His civilian life continued to unfold in interesting ways. After his military career, he worked for the Indian Oil Company. It was during this time that the acting bug finally bit him. He found himself drawn to theater, performing in stage plays. This passion for performance blossomed, and at 44 years old, he made his debut in the world of films. While he took on many different parts, it was his role as the professor in ‘3 Idiots’ that truly brought him widespread fame.
A Final Farewell
His health took a sudden turn for the worse on August 18. He was admitted to the hospital, but sadly, he could not recover. The news of his passing has cast a shadow of grief over the entire film industry. Friends, colleagues, and fans are all feeling the loss. Achyut Potdar’s last rites will take place on Tuesday, August 19, marking a farewell to a remarkable man whose life was as rich and diverse as the characters he played.