Achyut Potdar, ‘3 Idiots’ Iconic Professor, Passes Away At 91

Achyut Potdar, the veteran actor of the Indian film industry, passed at the age of 91 in Jupiter Hospital in Thane on August 18, 2025. His demise brought an end to an era period in Bollywood and Marathi cinema. The last rites for the late actor will be performed in Thane on August 19, 2025, leaving the fans and fellow actors in great reminiscence of his glorious career.

Potdar’s Versatile Journey from Armed Forces to Silver-Screen

The life of Achyut Potdar was a man with versatile career. Born in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh on August 22, 1934, he graduated in economics as a university medalist. After a brief stint in teaching at Rewa, he joined the Indian Army, retiring in the rank of captain in 1967. He worked at Indian Oil for twenty-five years, during which he kept his interest in acting kindled through theatre.

At 44, Potdar made his debut in Aakrosh (1980) and subsequently established himself into a career of four decades with over 125 films, from 3 Idiots to Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Parineeta. 

Iconic Role in 3 Idiots and Cinema

Potdar will always be remembered for his memorable character in 3 Idiots (2009), where he played the role of a grouchy professor, best known for his magnum opus dialogue “Kehna kya chahte ho,” which served us with endless memes.

From versatile collaborations with director Vidhu Vinod Chopra in films like Rangeela and Parinda, he transcends the Bollywood front by performances in various Marathi films and series like Wagle Ki Duniya and Mrs. Tendulkar, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sanand group of Indore in 2015.

Potdar’s Legacy of Simplicity and Resilience

In the biography authored by his daughter Anuradha Paraskar, Achyut Potdar – A Life of Simplicity, Resilience and Contentment, an insight is captured into his humility and dedication. Potdar became inactive round 88 years of age and, for the major part, kept worrying about his health, yet, in some way, he managed to create a lasting impression in Indian cinema.

There were many tributes pouring in from fans on social media and several Marathi television channels, just indicating the level of respect that he commanded. The legacies of Achyut Potdar are those of a true versatile artist and a humble man, however, inspiring many generations.

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