Indian film and television actor Achyut Potdar has passed away at the age of 90 following heart failure, his family confirmed. The veteran performer, who was only weeks away from turning 91, died on 18 August in Thane.
His daughter, Anuradha Paraskar, said he fainted at home in the afternoon and was taken to Jupiter Hospital, where doctors declared his heart had stopped functioning later that evening. She described the end as swift but peaceful.
Potdar was among Bollywood’s most recognisable supporting actors, with a career that featured more than 125 films and several acclaimed serials. He seamlessly transitioned between art-house cinema and commercial blockbusters, carving out a reputation as a dependable performer.
He appeared in landmark films including Tezaab, Parinda, Rangeela, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Ventilator. On television, his roles in Bharat Ek Khoj and Mrs. Tendulkar further expanded his popularity.
Though his work was extensive, his brief but memorable role as a professor in Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots gave him lasting fame with younger audiences. A line he delivered in the film remains widely shared as a meme even today.