Mumbai: Actor Viju Khote, best known for his roles in Sholay and Andaz Apna Apna, passed away on Monday due to multiple organ failure. He was 77.
The actor, most famous for playing the dacoit Kalia in Sholay and Robert in Andaz Apna Apna, died at his residence.
“He passed away today at 6.55am peacefully in his sleep at the residence. He has been unwell since quite some time. He had multiple organ failure,” actor Bhavana Balsavar, his niece, told PTI. “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.
Starting out in films in the mid-60s, Viju Khote gained prominence with Ramesh Sippy’s “Sholay” in 1975 where he played Kalia and got one of the most memorable film dialogues as he reminded the most wanted dacoit Gabbar of his loyalty. Viju Khote got his next unforgettable role in Rajkumar Santoshi’s 1994 sleeper-hit, comedy “Andaz Apna Apna”.
The last rites of the actor will be performed at Chandan Wadi around 11 am.
