Veteran Actor Viju Khote Dies At 77

Veteran actor Viju Khote died in Mumbai on Monday because of multiple organ failure at the age of 77.

He was famous for playing Kalia in Sholay, and Robert in Andaz Apna Apna. In Sholay, in a timid and frightful exchange with a livid Gabbar, he spoke one of the most well-known lines in Hindi cinema: “Tera kya hoga Kaalia … Sardar maine aapka namak khaya hai … Ab goli kha”.

"He passed away today at 6.55 am peacefully in his sleep at the residence,” Khote’s niece and actor Bhavana Balsavar told PTI. She added that he had been unwell for some time. “He did not wish to die in the hospital so we had brought him home a few days ago,” Balsavar said. “It is a great loss for all of us.”

The actor had started his career in 1964 and has appeared in over 300 Hindi and Marathi films that include Chinagate, Mela, Nagina, Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge and Golmaal 2. He played the famous character 'Robert' in 'Andaz Apna Apna' (1994) whose dialogue 'galti se mistake ho gaya' became quite popular and made him a well-known name in the industry.

His contribution to the Indian cinema is immense as he had a long career spanning over 50 years. Besides films, Viju Khote had also worked in numerous television shows and plays. He is most remembered for his role in the serial 'Zabaan Sambhal Ke'.

The late actor had made an everlasting impact in the cult Marathi film, 'Ashi Hi Banva Banvi'. Son of a noted stage actor Nandu Khote, he managed to make the audience laugh through films like 'Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani,' 'Garam Masala,' 'Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya' and many more which will be cherished forever. 

Watch Viju Khote in the iconic scene from Sholay here:

Here are some reactions from Twitter:

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” Viju kutte aahe? pic.twitter.com/6e6KXaepFI

— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 30, 2019

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.

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) September 30, 2019

From Kaalia saying that epic dialogue 'maine aapka namak khaaya hain sardar' to playing the funny Villian in Andaz apna apna to many TV shows where you've made us laugh with your expressions.
Thank you #VijuKhote ji

— Arvind Ramachander (@arvindia4u) September 30, 2019

Kalia is immortal - RIP Mr.Viju Khote pic.twitter.com/mPlPENBs49

— Satya (@absolutesatya) September 30, 2019