Viju Khote, famous for playing Kaalia in Sholay, passes away
Veteran Bollywood actor Viju Khote, famous for playing the role of Kaalia in iconic movie Sholay, passed away on Monday. He was 77. He had been working in the film industry since 1964 and was seen in innumerable Hindi and Marathi movies. Khote is also remembered for his small but interesting role as Robert in Salman Khan-starrer Andaz Apna Apna. Here's more.
Khote didn't want to die at hospital, revealed his niece
Confirming the news, his niece Bhavana Balasar said, "He passed away today at 6.55am peacefully in his sleep at the residence. He had been unwell since quite some time. He had multiple organ failure." She added Khote didn't want to die at a hospital, so they brought him home a couple of days ago. "It's a great loss for all of us," she added.
Khote's last movie released in 2018
Apart from the aforementioned movies, Khote was seen in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Ventilator, Golmaal 3, Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. He also worked in 2018's release Jaane Kyun De Yaaron. His last rites were performed at Chandan Wadi.
Twitter users expressed condolences, remembered Khote's contribution
As soon as news of his demise broke, Twitter users remembered the brilliant acting skills of Khote. "From Kaalia saying that epic dialogue 'maine aapka namak khaaya hain sardar' to playing the funny Villian in Andaz apna apna to many TV shows where you've made us laugh with your expressions, (sic)" tweeted @arvindia4u. Another one wrote that Kaalia is "immortal".
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit also expressed condolences
Kaalia will forever remain etched in memories of cine lovers
In Sholay, Kaalia was the side-kick to one of the most dreaded Bollywood villains, Gabbar, played by Amjad Khan. The famous dialogue "Ab tera kya hoga Kaalia" was filmed between both of them. Talking about the reception which Kaalia received, Khote said in 2015, "It signifies the tremendous popularity of the movie. And that people liked Kaalia as a character."
