Overview
Viju Khote (17 December 1941 – 30 September 2019) was an Indian actor who worked in Hindi and Marathi cinema, television, and Marathi theatre. Across a career spanning six decades, he appeared in more than 440 films. He is best remembered for his role as the dacoit Kaalia in Ramesh Sippy's Sholay (1975) and as Robert in the cult comedy Andaz Apna Apna (1994).
Key facts
| Full name | Viju Khote |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 December 1941 |
| Died | 30 September 2019 |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Industries | Hindi cinema, Marathi cinema, television, Marathi theatre |
| Notable films | Sholay (1975), Andaz Apna Apna (1994) |
| Notable television | Zabaan Sambhalke (1993) |
| Films | More than 440 |
Career
Khote worked across Hindi and Marathi films for about six decades, taking up a wide range of supporting and character roles. He was equally active on the Marathi stage, performing in theatre productions over the years.
Sholay (1975)
Khote played Kaalia, one of the dacoits in Gabbar Singh's gang in Sholay, directed by Ramesh Sippy. His line, "Sardar, maine aapka namak khaya hai", became one of the most quoted dialogues in Hindi cinema.
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
He appeared as Robert in Andaz Apna Apna, a comedy that achieved cult status over the years. His dialogue "Ghalti se mistake hogaya" remains widely recognised.
Television
On television, Khote was most remembered for his work in the sitcom Zabaan Sambhalke (1993).
Significance
Although Khote largely played supporting parts, his roles as Kaalia and Robert became fixtures of Hindi popular culture, with both characters and their lines remaining widely referenced long after the films' release. His prolific output across Hindi and Marathi cinema, alongside his Marathi theatre work, made him a familiar character actor of his generation.
Related topics
References
- Viju Khote, English Wikipedia.