Actor Viju Khote is no more

Veteran actor Viju Khote passed away during the wee hours of September 30. The 77-year-old breathed his last at his home in Mumbai. Khote is well-known for his work in the Hindi as well as the Marathi film industry. He has been a part of the industry since 1964, with his most popular role being Robert in Andaz Apna Apna and Kaalia in Sholay. His dialogues, Sardar... meine apka namak khaya hai from Sholay and Galti se mistake ho gaya sir in Andaz Apna Apna have been forever etched in our minds.

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Having worked in over 300 movies across various industries, Viju also made an indelible impression on television with his 

role in the 1993 sitcom Zabaan Sambhalke. In the show, he portrayed the character of Vittal 

Bapurao Pote, a Maharashtrian who worked in a local nautanki. 

Khote, who was actress Shubha Khote’s younger brother, was also seen in Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 3 where he played a small yet memorable role. He was also a well-known theatre artiste.   

Bollywood mourns 

Rishi Kapoor: RIP. Viju Khote. Dear friend over the years. Though much elder, we used to bike together along with sister Shobha Khote ji, when I was young. Passionate and well informed about American films. We will miss you”

Raj Babbar: Tributes to #VijuKhote ji. In him we have lost an entertainer par excellence. Kaalia from Sholay may be his most memorable act but those in films like Ghatak, Andaz Apna Apna & others were equally brilliant. RIP Viju Saheb. You shall always be remembered.

Madhuri Dixit Nene: Sad to hear about the demise of #VijuKhote Ji. May his soul rest in peace.

Ajay Devgn: Actors like Viju Khote were institutions by themselves. Their large body of work will always be remembered. I’m fortunate to have worked with him on quite a few films. RIP Sir...My heartfelt condolences to the family.

Abhishek Bachchan: #VijuKhote ji, rest in love! You had so much of it to give. My condolences to his family.

Boman Irani: Darling colleague Viju Khote is no more. Hilarious on stage, iconic on screen and a darling of a human being in real life. Such a loving and humble soul. Will miss you Bawa. IANS