Veteran actor Viju Khote dies at 77 -

Veteran Bollywood and theatre actor Viju Khote died at the age of 77 in Mumbai due to multiple organ failure. He passed away on September 30, 2019, at 6.55 am peacefully in his sleep at his residence. He has been unwell since quite some time, told actor’s niece Bhavana Balsavar to PTI. She also said that Viju Khote was brought back home from the hospital as he did not want to spend his last days in the hospital. He wanted to spend that time with his family at home.

The last rituals were performed at Chandan Wadi and some of the biggest names from Bollywood and television fraternity were seen in attendance.

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#RIPVijuKhote hashtag on Twitter

Bollywood celebrities took to Twitter to express condolences at his death.

Actor Ajay Devgn wrote, “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.”

Actor Rishi Kapoor wrote, “RIP. Viju Khote. Dear friend over the years. Though much elder, we used to bike together along with sister Shubha Khote ji, when I was young. Passionate and well informed about American films. We will miss you” Viju kutte aahe?”

Actress Tisca Chopra wrote, “He charmed us in so many varied parts .. most well loved was, of course #Kaalia from #sholay .. RIP #VijuKhote ji.”

Actress Esha Gupta wrote, “You’ve given us many unforgettable roles in the best of the films, thank you for your contribution to Indian cinema,RIP” #VijuKhote ji

Suniel Shetty wrote, “Will miss you Viju ji… Rest in peace 🙏 #vijukhote #RIPVijukhote,”

Ashoke Pandit, President of Indian Film and Television Director’s Association, also took to Twitter to pay tribute to the actor. He wrote, “Sad to know about the demise of one of the finest actors #vijukhote ji. My deepest condolences to his family. ओम् शांति !” Zaffar Abbas, an Indian journalist, wrote, “That was a time when actors were known by their screen name. When Sholay film was released Amjad Khan was known as Gabbar for years. Mac Mohan as Sambha for decades. ‘Tera kya hoga Kaliya’ soon became an all-time hit dialogue. Rest in peace #Kaliya #vijukhote u wd be remembered.”

Viju Khote Biography

Viju Khote, who was born on 17 December 1941, has acted in over 300 Hindi and Marathi films and did many plays and television shows. He made his big-screen debut with the film Ya Malak which was released in 1964. He went on to do some of the most iconic characters in Hindi cinema. He is known for his roles in the films Sholay, Andaz Apna Apna, Qurbani, Karz, Nagina and China Gate.

Viju Khote is best known for his role as dacoit Kalia in Sholay, who was second in command to Gabbar in the film, the role which was played by late veteran actor Amjad Khan. Kalia’s dialogue “Sardar maine aapka namak khaya hai” from Sholay continues to be a popular one till date. He is also remembered for his dialogue “Galti se mistake ho gaya” in Aamir Khan and Salman Khan’s comedy film Andaz Apna Apna, in which Viju Khote played a confused thug named Robert. Viju Khote was last seen in film Jaane Kyun De Yaaron in the year 2018.

On television, Viju Khote was most remembered for his role in Zabaan Sambhalke in 1993. He also acted in Marathi theatre for many years.

Viju Khote is the younger brother of famous actress Shubha Khote. Their father Nandu Khote was also a renowned stage actor. His aunt Durga Khote is also an actress.

Viju Khote acted in many other films like Ventilator, Club 60, Golmaal 3, Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge, Ajab Prem ki Gazab Kahani, Paying Guest, Money Hai to Honey Hai, Dhoonte Reh Jaoge, Khushboo, Halla Bol, Virudh..Family comes first, Pehchan..the face of truth, Garam Masala, Qayamat se Qayamat Tak, etc.