3 Idiots’ Beloved Professor Achyut Potdar Passes Away at 91: A Look at His Remarkable Journey

Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, best known for his role as the professor in 3 Idiots, passed away at the age of 91 in Thane. With a career spanning over four decades, he appeared in more than 125 films and numerous TV shows. Before entering Bollywood, Potdar served in the Indian Army and worked with Indian Oil, making his life an inspiring journey from service to stardom.

Achyut Potdar was born on 22 August 1934 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, into a Marathi Brahmin family. He spent most of his childhood in Indore, where he developed a keen interest in academics and literature. A bright student, he completed his post-graduation in Economics in 1961, graduating as a university gold medalist. Before entering the world of cinema, his early years were rooted in education and discipline, setting the foundation for his diverse and accomplished life.

Achyut Potdar became a household name for his memorable cameo as the professor in 3 Idiots. His iconic dialogue “Arey, kehna kya chahte ho?” turned into a cultural reference, making him one of the most loved character actors in Bollywood.

Before entering films, Achyut Potdar worked as an economics professor in Rewa, served as a Captain in the Indian Army, and later built a successful career with Indian Oil Corporation for nearly 25 years. His passion for acting started as a hobby during his corporate years, eventually leading him to Bollywood.

On 16 August 2015, Achyut Potdar was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Sanand, a cultural organization in Indore, in recognition of his decades-long career in Bollywood and outstanding contribution to the arts. In 2021, he received the prestigious Zee Marathi Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar for his acclaimed portrayal of Appa in the television serial Majha Hoshil Na.