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Sholay’s ‘Kaalia’ Viju Khote Passes Away In Mumbai At 78 After Multiple Organ Failure

Darpan News Desk IANS, 30 Sep, 2019 06:55 PM

    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.


    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.


    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".


    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.


    Viju was also seen in Indian actress Priyanka Chopra's Marathi venture "Ventilator", in which he played the character of Shirish Appa.

     

    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.


    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?


    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


    Suniel Shetty: Will miss you Viju ji... Rest in peace #vijukhote #RIPVijukhote.

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