Viju Khote is not just a renowned Marathi actor and comedian, he is a great artist. His professionalism and good nature made him a well-known celebrity of the film industry. He passed away today at 77 year of age, due to multiple organ failure. This has left the film and theatre fraternity shaken.
His work in more than 440 films in Hindi and Marathi cinema was a large contribution to the comedy and anti-heroic roles that shaped our films and theatre! He had also acted in Marathi plays over the years.
He debuted in Marathi films with the film Ya Malak and then followed a series of films like Ek Unad Divas, Master Eke Master, Gammat Jammat, Adla Badli and Uttarayan, through which Viju ji made his mark in the Marathi film industry. He was last seen in the Marathi film Ventilator. His iconic Marathi film Ashi Hi Banva Banvi, where he played a villain, completed 31 years this month!
He was famous as the Gabbar Singh’s dacoit ‘Kalia’ in the legendary film Sholay. His dialogue, "Sardar maine aapka namak khaya hai" is to date used in Sholay parodies or jokes and memes! On television, he was most remembered for his role in Zabaan Sambhalke.
Viju Khote was admitted in the hospital for illness but was released two days back. All of a sudden the news of him passing away came as a shock to his fans, friends and family.
Image Source:- amarujjala