Achyut Potdar, a veteran Indian actor, contributed to over 125 films and many TV shows and plays both in Hindi and Marathi. His career started late at age 44. Potdar’s work spanned theatre, films, and television, leaving a mark on the industry despite a modest start. He played memorable roles such as the professor in 3 Idiots (2009), delivering the iconic line “Kehna Kya Chahte Ho,” and a retiree in Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006).
Early Life and Career
Achyut Potdar was born on August 22, 1934, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, into a Marathi Brahmin family. His childhood unfolded in Indore after his family moved there. Potdar completed his university education with a first-place major in economics, receiving a university medal. He began his professional life as a professor in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. He then joined the Indian Army, serving as an officer before retiring as a major. Potdar worked at the Indian Oil Corporation in Mumbai until 1978. He entered the entertainment industry at 44, starting with theater as a director, actor, and producer.
His film debut came with Doooriyan (1978), followed by films like Shaayad in 1979. In 1980 he acted in Saeed Akhtar Mirza‘s Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Ata Hai (1980) and Govind Nihalani’s Aakrosh (1980). In the 1980s he acted in many memorable films like Sazaye Maut (1981), Ardh Satya (1982), Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho! (1984), Giddh: The Vulture (1984), Aghaat (1985), Pestonjee (1988), Tezaab (1988), Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro (1989), and Raakh (1989).
He joined showbiz full-time after retiring from corporate life. He started his TV career with Nukkad (1986), followed by Wagle Ki Duniya (1988), Bharat Ek Khoj (1988), and Ye Duniya Gazab Ki (1992).
Achyut Potdar A Memorable Presence
One of his most memorable partnerships came with Vidhu Vinod Chopra. He first worked with him in Sazaye Maut (1981), the debut movie of Chopra. After that he worked in many of his films, including Parinda (1989), Parineeta (2005), Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), 3 Idiots (2008), and Ferrari Ki Sawaari (2012). He Also worked with Govind Nihlani in Droh Kaal (1994) and Dev (2004).
Over the years he was part of some of the most memorable films of Indian cinema. Some of his important films include Prahaar: The Final Attack (1991), Disha (1992), Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992), Angaar (1992), Damini (1993), Yeh Dillagi (1994), Rangeela (1995), Mrityu Dand (1997), Diljale (1996), Ishq (1997), Vaastav: The Reality (1999), Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999), Hum Ho Gaye Aap Ke (2001), Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002), Bhoothnath (2008), Dabangg 2 (20012), R… Rajkumar (2013), Ventilator (2016) and many more.
He also acted in serials like Virasat (1995), Marshal (1995), Khamoshi (1998), Adaalat (2010), Majha Hoshil Na (2020), and many more.
Personal Life
Achyut Potdar, passed away on August 18, 2025, at the age of 91. His death occurred at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, Maharashtra, where he was admitted for health complications and age-related issues. His final rites took place on August 19, 2025, in Thane, attended by family and industry colleagues.
Achyut Potdar on IMDB
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