Veteran actor Viju Khote best known for Kalia from Sholay passes away

Veteran Bollywood actor Viju Khote has died on Monday, September 30.

The actor best is remembered for his role as Kalia in the cult classic Sholay.

The actor, who worked in a number of Hindi and Marathi films, has been working in film since 1964. Apart from Sholay, he is remembered for his roles in films like Andaz Apna Apna, in which he starred as Robert. The actor is related to veteran actors Shubha Khote and Durga Khote. 

Even as Viju immortalised Kalia as one on the most memorable characters of Indian cinema, he actually had just two scenes in Ramesh Sippy’s film. Talking about the popularity of his character, Viju told The Times of India in 2015 that he enjoys the love he has got. “It signifies the tremendous popularity of the movie. And that people liked Kaalia as a character,” he said.

Viju and actor Amjad Khan--who played Gabbar Singh in the film-- worked multiple times together. “Actually I had done a play with him before the movie. The play, To This Night A Dawn, was directed by his brother Imtiaz. After Sholay, I did four-five more films with him. But I don’t remember their names,” he said.

After making his silver screen debut in 1964 film Ya Malak, Viju went on to star in movies like Sholay, Qurbani, Karz, Nagina, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and Andaz Apna Apna among more.

In Andaz Apna Apna, he played the role of Robert and his appearance was also marked by a line of dialogue that later became famous: “Galti se mistake hogaya.”

He was also known for his work in popular 90s sitcom Zabaan Sambhalke, which was based on British show Mind Your Language.

Besides having over 300 Hindi and Marathi films to his credit, Viju Khote was also active in Marathi theatre.

Viju was last seen in 2018 film Jaane Kyun De Yaaron. Some of his other recent notable film appearances include Golmaal 3 (2010), Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge (2010) and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009).

Viju Khote is survived by elder sister and actor Shubha Khote.