TLI Staff
New Delhi: Veteran Hindi and Marathi actor Viju Khote passed away at 77 due to multiple organ failure on Monday. The actor who was best remembered as Kalia in Sholay died at 6:55 am at his residence.
The actor has been unwell for quite some time and suffered multiple organ failure. He was brought home a few days back as he did not wish to die in the hospital.
The last rites of the veteran actor who is related to actor Durga Khote ans Shubha Khote will be conducted at Chandan Wadi around 11 am.
Viju Khote played one of the most entertaining movie in the history of Indian cinema Sholay. He mouthed one of the most popular dialogues from the film—Sardar maine aapka namak khaya hai. Another one mouthed by Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) “Tera kya hoga Kaaliya” is still fresh in the memory of movie lovers.
His another memorable role came with Andaaz Apna Apna where he played Robert. On television, he tickled the funny bone of many with Zabaan Sambhal Ke with his role of a Maharashtrian who works in a local “Nautanki”.
Khote family has been active in Indian film industry since its very inception. His father Nandu Khote worked in silent movies while his sister elder sister Shubha Khote was part of many TV shows and movies. His sister-in-law Durga Khote was a veteran actress.
Viju Khote started his career in 1964 with Ya Malak and in a career spanning more than four decades went on to do films like Pagla Kahin Ka, Raampur Ka Lakshman, Benaam, Qurbani, Jhutha Sach, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, China Gate, Khiladi 420, Insan, Garam Masala, Money Hai Toh Honey Hai, Golmaal 3 among numerous others.
Condolence messages from the film industry are pouring in for the actor:
दुखद समाचार
वीजू खोटे जी हमारे बीच नहीं रहे! भगवान उनकी आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करे…
RIP Viju Khote sir 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/E0pI5caeOr— Ashmit Patel (@AshmitPatel) September 30, 2019
Rest in Peace #vijukhote 🙏
— rekha bhardwaj (@rekha_bhardwaj) September 30, 2019