Mumbai, September 30: Indian Cinema arouses at a million's loss again today as veteran actor Viju Khote, best known for his natural acting and roles in noted films such as Sholay and Andaz Apna Apna, breathed last in Mumbai on Monday morning following multiple organ failure at 77.
Viju Khote is credited with having starred in over 300 films across Hindi and Marathi cinema. Some of his most remembered roles include bandit Kalia in Sholay, who was second in command to Amjad Khan's Gabbar. His dialogue "Sardar maine aapka namak khaya hai" from Sholay continues to be a famous reference till date. He is also well remembered for his dialogue "Galti se mistake ho gaya" in Aamir Khan and Salman Khan's Andaz Apna Apna, in which he played a confused thug named Robert.
Khote's niece Bhavana Balsavar confirmed the word to the forum. "He passed away today at 6.55 am peacefully in his sleep at the residence. He has been unwell since quite sometime. He had multiple organ failure. He did not wish to die in the hospital so we had brought him home few days ago. It is a great loss for all of us", she said. The last rites however will be performed at Chandan Wadi around 11 am, she added.
Mourning over the social media, Khote's fans pan India are busy fondly remembering him as Kalia of Sholay and Robert of Andaz Apna Apna. Being a Marathi stalwart, Khote till date has been featured in more than 300 Hindi and Marathi movies and had appeared recently in 'Gaur Hari Dastaan', 'Ventilator', Jaane kyu de yaaro' and 'Ghantaa'. Having left marks of appreciation in even small roles, Khote's performance will stay alive forever!