Veteran actor Viju Khote of Sholay, Andaz Apna Apna fame passes away
In a career spanning over five decades, Viju Khote did more than 300 Hindi & Marathi films and featured in several noted plays and TV shows (Left: Viju Khote as ‘Kaalia’ in Sholay)
Veteran actor Viju Khote, best remembered for his roles in films like Sholay and Andaz Apna Apna, breathed his last on early Monday morning.
The 78-year-old reportedly died of multiple organ failure. He is survived by his sister Shubha Khote, who is also an actor.
“He passed away today at 6.55 am peacefully in his sleep at the residence. He has been unwell since quite sometime. He had multiple organ failure,” actor Bhavana Balsavar, his niece, told news agency PTI.
“He did not wish to die in the hospital so we had brought him home few days ago. It is a great loss for all of us,” she added.
In a career spanning over 50 years, Khote worked in over 300 films and made an invaluable contribution to the Indian cinema, theatre, and television.
The actor, most famous for playing the dacoit ‘Kalia’ in the film ‘Sholay’ and ‘Robert’ in ‘Andaz Apna Apna‘, won many accolades and became a well-known name in the industry. He also made an everlasting impact in the cult Marathi film, ‘Ashi Hi Banva Banvi.’
If you grew up in the 70s.. and watched Sholay a dozen times (like I did), Kaalia/Samba/Gabbar etched in memory forever. Now, Kaalia too is no more. RIP Viju Khote.. lovely man in real life, Kaalia forever on screen!
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) September 30, 2019
The thespian has been active in theatres and in the TV industry, and is noted for his role in the serial ‘Zabaan Sambhal Ke.’
Son of a noted stage actor Nandu Khote, the actor played several iconic roles in his career, including in films like ‘Atithi Tum Kab Jaogey,’ ‘Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani,’ ‘Garam Masala,’ ‘Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya’ and many more.
He was last seen in 2018 film Jaane Kyun De Yaaron.
The last rites of the actor will be performed at Chandan Wadi around 11.00 am.
