Achyut Potdar (August 22, 1934 – August 18, 2025) was an Indian actor, Army captain, and professor, best known for playing the quirky professor in 3 Idiots (2009). He appeared in over 125 Hindi and Marathi films, 95 TV serials, 26 plays, and 45 commercials, becoming one of Bollywood’s most recognizable character actors.
Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, he served in the Indian Army, worked at Indian Oil Corporation, and taught as a professor before entering films at age 44. His line “Kehna Kya Chahte Ho” from 3 Idiots became a viral meme, cementing his cultural legacy.
He passed away on August 18, 2025, at Jupiter Hospital, Thane, due to age-related health issues, aged 91.
Achyut Potdar Wiki/Bio
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Achyut Potdar |
| Date of Birth | August 22, 1934 |
| Age (at death) | 91 years |
| Date of Death | August 18, 2025 |
| Profession | Actor, Former Army Captain, Professor |
| Hometown | Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Residence (final) | Thane, Mumbai, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
Achyut Potdar Early Life
Achyut Potdar was born on August 22, 1934, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and raised in a Marathi Brahmin family in Indore. Academically gifted, he earned a postgraduate degree in economics in 1961, receiving a university gold medal.
He first worked as a professor in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, before joining the Indian Army through an emergency commission after the 1962 war, serving until 1967 and retiring as a captain. Later, he worked at Indian Oil Corporation for 25 years, while also engaging in cultural programs, before fully pursuing acting.
Family Details
| Relation | Name/Details |
| Wife | Rajni Monga |
| Children | One daughter – Anuradha Paraskar |
Career Highlights
| Year | Achievement |
| 1961 | Earned postgraduate degree in economics, won university medal |
| 1967 | Retired as Captain, Indian Army |
| 1980 | Bollywood debut with Aakrosh |
| 1992 | Retired from Indian Oil Corporation |
| 2009 | Iconic role as professor in 3 Idiots |
| 2015 | Lifetime Achievement Award (Sanand, Indore) |
| 2025 | Passed away in Thane, Mumbai |
Career Path
- Academia & Army: Professor in Rewa → Joined Army → Retired as Captain.
- Corporate: Executive at Indian Oil for 25 years.
- Acting: Started at 44 years old with Aakrosh (1980).
Acting Legacy
- Films: Parinda, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dabangg 2, 3 Idiots.
- TV: Wagle Ki Duniya, Pradhanmantri, among others.
- Known for versatility in supporting and character roles, often as professors, doctors, or elderly figures.
His role in 3 Idiots made him a pop-culture icon in India.
(Source)
Net Worth
| Field | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | $100,000–$300,000 (2025) |
| Income Sources | Acting fees, Indian Oil pension, Army pension |
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