Veteran actor of Marathi and Hindi films Viju Khote, who was popular for his Kalia character from the 1975 cult classic "Sholay" is no more. He was 78.
Viju passed away early on Monday, family sources said. He is survived by his actor sister Shubha Khote, who was elder to him by five years. Their father Nandu Khote was a noted stage actor too, and he worked in movies during the silent era.
Viju Khote made his big screen debut with "Ya Malak" in 1964 and went on to do some of the most remembered characters in the Hindi film industry.
Famous and renowned actor who played role of Kaaliya in the movie Sholay, Viju Khote died in Mumbai today. He lived in Gaodevi area of Mumbai. He was 78 when he died. He was not well for very long time. He breathed his last at his home. pic.twitter.com/2NOHwC9Pm3
— Sahil Joshi (@sahiljoshii) September 30, 2019
In a career spanning almost six decades, Viju worked in over 300 films, including "Phir Hera Pheri", "Andaz Apna Apna" from the modern era besides some television shows and ads.
Renowned for comedy roles, Viju was famed for the evergreen reply to Gabbar Singh's "Kitne Aadmi The?" in "Sholay". "Do, Sarkar" was the bumbling sidekick was Kalia's response, which said it all -- that they failed their gang lord Gabbar Singh played by Amjad Khan.
If you grew up in the 70s.. and watched Sholay a dozen times (like I did), Kaalia/Samba/Gabbar etched in memory forever. Now, Kaalia too is no more. RIP Viju Khote.. lovely man in real life, Kaalia forever on screen!
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) September 30, 2019
He is also fondly remembered as the naive Robert from the film "Andaz Apna Apna" and was loved for his dialogue "galti se mistake hogaya".
On television he is most remembered for his role from the 1993 sitcom "Zabaan Sambhalke", the Indian version of the British sitcom "Mind Your Language".
Goodbye #VijuKhote
— Gautam Chintamani (@GChintamani) September 30, 2019
Thanks for the memories. pic.twitter.com/h82kJcoqDg
Viju played the character of Vittal Bapurao Pote, a Maharashtrian who worked in a local "Nautanki". He often came to class in play costumes.
His other work includes "Golmaal 3", "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani", "Money Hai Toh Honey Hai","Halla Bol", "Garam Masala", "Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya", "Club 60" and "China Gate" among many others.
“Once when I dropped my son to school; he got angry and asked my ‘why is that man teasing you Kalia Kalia’. I said don’t feel bad, they loved my work so much they remember it everytime they see me.” ~ #VijuKhote when asked, do you feel that your other work is less appreciated. pic.twitter.com/LxWeIKodp3
— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) September 30, 2019
Viju was also seen in Indian actress Priyanka Chopra's Marathi venture "Ventilator", in which he played the character of Shirish Appa.
Deeply saddened to know about the demise of dear #VijuKhote. Worked with him in number of films. He, apart from being a very fine actor was also a very well read person. Thorough gentleman with a great sense of humour. Will miss him and his kind smile. On Shanti. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/SXbDDICO7y
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) September 30, 2019
A string of Bollywood celebrities such as Rishi Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit Nene and Ajay Devgn have mourned the death of veteran actor Viju Khote, who passed away aged 78.
Viju passed away early on Monday, family sources said. He is survived by his actor sister Shubha Khote, who was elder to him by five years.
Tributes to #VijuKhote ji. In him we have lost an entertainer par excellence.
— Raj Babbar (@RajBabbarMP) September 30, 2019
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. pic.twitter.com/7ngUX9T2IV
Here's what the celebrities had to say:
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" Viju kutte aahe?
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
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.
Anup Jalota: Saddened to hear about the demise of #VijuKhote Ji May his soul rest in peace.
Rahul Dholakia: Had the honour of directing #VijuKhoteji in a commercial. He was a fantastic person and actor. Great sense of humor! #RIP Sir. Om Shanti
Will miss you Viju ji... Rest in peace 🙏#vijukhote #RIPVijukhote pic.twitter.com/wgALPTmNsa
— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) September 30, 2019
Suniel Shetty: Will miss you Viju ji... Rest in peace #vijukhote #RIPVijukhote.
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. pic.twitter.com/IJdkXACr8S
— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) September 30, 2019
Sad to know about the demise of one of the finest actors #vijukhote ji. My deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/RJqKlGqich
— Isha Koppikar (@ishakonnects) September 30, 2019
