“Tera kya hoga Kaalia?” This dialogue from Ramesh Sippy’s blockbuster Sholay was addressed to Viju Khote, who played the dacoit Kalia in Sholay and Robert in Andaz Apna Apna, passed away in Mumbai on Monday morning.
Image Source: Twitter
Veteran Actor Passed Due To Multiple Organ Failure
One of the most iconic actors of Bollywood and Marathi cinema, Viju had been keeping unwell for quite some time. Speaking to a leading news agency, the actor’s niece Bhavana Balsavar said that he was brought back home from the hospital since he wanted to be with his family during his last few days. “He did not wish to die in the hospital so we had brought him home a few days ago. It is a great loss for all of us,” she added. Last rites of the actor were performed at Chandan Wadi Crematorium in Mumbai.
Remembering Viju Khote
Khote, who has starred in more than 300 films, both in Hindi and Marathi cinema has a huge fan base. Here’s taking a look at a few of his most iconic roles and dialogues that are carved in our memories forever:
‘Kaalia’ From Sholay
Though Viju’s role in Sholay was a very brief one, he won over millions of hearts by playing Kalia in the movie. Second in command to Gabbar (Amjad Khan), his dialogue “Sardar maine aapka namak khaya hai” continues to be a famous reference to date.
“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
Robert In Andaaz Apna Apna
Viju played the role of a confused thug named Robert in Aamir Khan and Salman Khan starrer, Andaz Apna Apna. “Galti se mistake ho gaya” was a dialogue that his appearance was later marked with.
Goodbye #VijuKhote
Thanks for the memories. pic.twitter.com/h82kJcoqDg
— Gautam Chintamani (@GChintamani) September 30, 2019
Tributes Pour In For The Actor
Fans are mourning Viju Khote’s death on Twitter, fondly remembering him as Kalia and Robert. While one of the fans wrote, “From Kalia of Sholay to Robert of Andaz Apna Apna, he played many roles in Hindi cinema which may have been small but never forgotten even after all these years,”, another tweet read, “Kalia is immortal.” Take a look at few of the reactions:
The Kalia – who was the most Gentlest, Simplest, Kindest, Caring, Supportive & an ever Smiling Father figure leaves us today. We will miss you a lot Vijoodada. May your soul Rest In Peace.#VijuKhote pic.twitter.com/Vg3zGbGd7j
— pavan chiru (@seenupavanreddy) September 30, 2019
From ‘Kalia’ in Sholay to ‘Shambhu kaka’ in Golmaal, #VijuKhote was a true actor and entertainer who enthralled his fans for decades … RIP! pic.twitter.com/ONsxpCBjI4
— Vishal Thakur (@ar_vishalthakur) September 30, 2019
Many of them doesn't know his original name but everyone knows him as kalia.
Rest In Peace #vijukhote pic.twitter.com/sn5YCN0JTs— Abdul Qayum (@Qayum22) September 30, 2019
Raising a glass of Sharbat-e-Jannat in honour of Viju Khote. Rest in peace, good sir. pic.twitter.com/voRqOqCIbc
— Pragyan Mohanty (@PragyanM) September 30, 2019
We Will Miss Yous, Says Devastated Bollywood
Celebrities from across generations are mourning the loss of the veteran actor. Here are some of the actors who took to twitter to express their grief.
Rishi Kapoor Remembers His Dear Friend
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
Ajay Devgn Pays Tribute
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.
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) September 30, 2019
Boman Irani Mourns The Actor’s Demise
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
Viju Khote acted in movies like Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Golmaal 3 and Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge recently. He was last seen in Jaane Kyun De Yaaron in 2018.
RIP Viju Khote Sir! You will be missed.
Featured Image: Twitter
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