Marathi actor Viju Khote, who is known for playing Kalia in iconic movie Sholay, passed away in Mumbai early Sept 30 morning. The 78-year-old actor is survived by his sister Shubha Khote.
Viju Khote hailed from a family of artistes. His sister Shubha Khote is an actress and his father Nandu was a noted stage actor and in silent movies. His sister-in-law Durga Khote was also an actress. He started his acting career with Ya Malak in 1964. Later he went on to acting in over 300 Hindi and Marathi films. He also acted in several Marathi plays.
But Viju Khote is famously remembered for his role as the dacoit Kalia in Sholay and Robert in movie Andaz Apna Apna. 'Sardar maine aapka namak khaya hai' and 'galti se mistake hogaya' are his popular dialogues. He also made his mark on small screen and is most remembered for his role in Zabaan Sambhalke (1993).
Viju Khote made a huge fanbase for himself with unique comedy. The news about his sudden death has come as a rude shock to many of his fans and celebs in the Hindi and Marathi film industry. Some of them took to Twitter to share their sadness over his demise and offer condolences to his bereaved family. Here are their comments.
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.
Suniel Shetty: Will miss you Viju ji... Rest in peace #vijukhote #RIPVijukhote
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit: Sad to know about the demise of one of the finest actors #vijukhote ji. My deepest condolences to his family. ओम् शांति!
Actor Sharib Hashmi: Thank you Viju sir for giving us memorable characters like Kaalia and Robert and many more RIP #VijuKhote
Actress Kavita: Had the privilege of working along side/across the table, with Viju khote ji for a Maharashtra special story in f.i.r .. we all will be gone one by one like he has gone today .. can't help but think of the attachments we make n hold dearly in this world.., KALIA!!! R.i.p ❤️
Sandeep K Patil @MODIfied_SKP
Gabbar cannot ask anymore कितने आदमी थे कालिया" the iconic actor #vijukhote is no more. He immortalized d character कालिया in sholay, my most favorite movie of all times. He was one of d most versatile actors, his another memorable role ws Robert in Andaz Apna Apna. @aamir_khan
Allahrakhi @AllahrakhiDivya
Deeply saddened to hear that Viju Khote has sadly passed away my first memory of you is Afsana pyar ka 1991 love all your movies Rip sir we will miss you so much and my deepest condolences to the family #VijuKhote #Bollywood
Anirudha @anirudha_ingle
If you only know him by his role in Sholay then you have some unmissable movies which you need to watch to appreciate his craft. RIP Viju Khote :( #VijuKhote
Rahul kapoor @raoulkapoor85
#VijuKhote Om shanti! You will be remembered for your evergreen performances.
Tanisha Gupta @OfficeOfTanisha
Deeply saddened by the news of Veteran Actor Vijay Khote's demise. Still remember his famous roles - Kalia in Sholay and Robert in Andaz Apna Apna. May his soul Rest In Peace. #VijuKhote
varunkelkar @varunk1996
RIP Viju Khote Sir Let your soul rest in peace. #VijuKhote
Awarapan @KingmakerOne1
RIP to the Legendary actor Viju Khote who played a very famous and popular role of Kalia in Sholay
Satish shah @sats45
A dear friend and a veteran actor Viju Khoté passed on today. May you rest in eternal peace.
Pragyan Mohanty @PragyanM
Raising a glass of Sharbat-e-Jannat in honour of Viju Khote. Rest in peace, good sir.
Nikul Patel @Nikulpatel9500
Film sholay legendary actor #vijuKhote(Kaliya) passes away. RIP
Karan Khatri @karukhatri32
Shri Viju Khote, old resident of Gamdevi area & a famous actor who played a leading role in Marathi as well as Hindi films, has passed away this morning. We share in the grief of their families. Iss Jiva ko Mukti Prapt ho
Manju 2.0 @Manju_DeshBhakt
#Kalia of #Sholay is no more Vetaran Actor #VijuKhote passes away at age of 77 Om Shanti
Sagar Khandelwal @Khandelw13Sagar
Veteran actor #VijuKhote who is known for his work in more than 300 films in Hindi and Marathi cinema, famous as the dacoit Kalia in the film Sholay and the dialogue, "Sardar maine aapka namak khaya hai" passes away at the age of 77. ॐ शांति।
Shashank Shantanu @Shashankdzire
Have a peaceful journey ahead Raabert RIP #vijukhote
Akash Pawar @AkashPawarHR
Sad to Know #VijuKhote RIP!!! Whole, Maharashtra & India will always Remember you
