Sholay actor Viju Kothe Aka Kalia passes away at 78.

Viju Khote has left for heavenly abode at the age of 78.

Sholay actor Viju Khote has passed away at the age of 78. The veteran actor, who is a big name in the Marathi film industry, is popularly known for his stint as Kalia in Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini starrer Sholay. He is also fondly remembered for his role in Andaz Apna Apna featuring Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. He worked in the entertainment industry for over five decades and we have lost a gem today. Viju Khote’s loss is irreplaceable and we pray that his soul rests in peace. Viju, who worked in over 300 films in his career, breathed his last at his residence in South Mumbai. Viju is related to veteran actors Shubha Khote and Durga Khote. Their father Nandu Khote was a noted stage actor and in silent movies.

In an interview with Times Of India, talking about the popularity of his character (Kalia), Viju Khote had said, “It signifies the tremendous popularity of the movie. And that people liked Kaalia as a character. Actually I had done a play with him before the movie. The play, To This Night A Dawn, was directed by his brother Imtiaz. After Sholay, I did four-five more films with him. But I don’t remember their names.”

May his soul rest in peace!