Bollywood Veteran Achyut Potdar Dies At 91, Known Best As 3 Idiots Professor

Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, known for his iconic role as a professor in Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots, passed away on Monday, 18 August 2025, at the age of 91. Tributes are pouring in from all over the Bollywood and Marathi film industry. He had done more than 125 Hindi and Marathi films and over 100 TV serials. Potdar’s iconic dialogue became a social media sensation from the film 3 Idiots, which was released in 2009. He took his last breath at Jupiter Hospital in Thane. However, the actual cause of death has not been disclosed yet. 

History of Achyut Potdar

Achyut Potdar belongs to a Marathi Brahmin family in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. He was born on 22 August 1934. His childhood was spent in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. He completed his post-graduation in 1961 with a major in economics.

Achyut also worked as a professor at Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, and after that, he joined the Indian Army from which he retired as a captain in 1967. He had worked with Indian Oil as an executive. At the age of 44, Achyut Potdar joined the entertainment industry. 

Achyut Potdar’s Iconic Film 3 Idiots

Achyut Potdar worked in many movies like Ardh Satya, 3 Idiots, etc. he also worked in television serials like Wagle Ki Duniyaa, Adalat, and others.  But in 3 Idiots, also starring Amir Khan, Sharman Joshi, and R Madhavan, he had an iconic role as a professor, which became a viral sensation. He had a famous dialogue which went viral on social media: “Kehna kya chahte ho?” (What do you want to say?). 

People’s Love for Achyut Potdar

Achyut Potdar contributed to the Indian industry through his voice, emotions, and fluid performance. His work was always connected with the people. Director Hansal Mehta shared his tribute by saying, ”I was a fan of his character as Jaggu Dada’s father. The line ‘Ae Jaggu’ from ‘Angaar’ made me his permanent fan.”

Many more fans posted their memories on social media platforms to remember him and his great dialogues from the films he had done over the years. 

Despite not being a huge star, Achyut Potdar was a true character artist who gave each role he played warmth and humor. He became one of the most adored supporting actors in Indian cinema as his face had become instantly recognizable to viewers of all ages.

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