Achyut Potdar aka 3 Idiots actor who narrated 'Kehna Kya Chahte Ho' dialogue dies at 91
Remember the confused professor in Aamir Khan-R Madhavan-Sharman Joshi's 3 Idiots who went viral for his 'Arre Kehna Kya Chahte Ho' dialogue? The veteran actor Achyut Potdar is no more.
Last Updated: 09.22 AM, Aug 19, 2025
Veteran Marathi and Hindi film and Television actor Achyut Potdar, best remembered as 3 Idiots' professor, is no more. The 91-year-old passed away after fighting an unknown illness. He is best remembered for his 'Kehna Kya Chahte Ho' dialogue from 3 Idiots.
Who was Achyut Potdar?
Achyut Potdar was a veteran Marathi actor who had also worked in prominent Bollywood movies, including 3 Idiots. His other prominent Hindi films included Ishq, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Bhootnath, Dabangg 2, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, Rangeela, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Damini, R... Rajkumar, Vaastav: The Reality, Parineeta, Aakrosh, Tezaab, Dilwale, Diljale, Rishtey, Chamatkar, Yeh Dillagi, Dil Hai Tumhaara, Qayamat: City Under Threat, Aa Ab Laut Chalen, Gundaraj and Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai. Achyut was also a part of Priyanka Chopra-produced Marathi film, Ventilator, and had appeared in the popular Hindi TV shows Aahat and Adaalat.
How did Achyut Potdar die?
Achyut Potdar, aged 91, was receiving treatment for an unknown medical condition in Thane's Jupiter Hospital. The real cause of his death remains unknown.
Achyut Potdar's viral 3 Idiots dialogue
Achyut Potdar became a household name after his dialogue from 3 Idiots went viral on social media. The scene was an interaction between him and Aamir Khan's character Rancho. As the latter makes a random explanation, Achyut Potdar leaves a confused expression and states, "Arre kehna kya chahte ho." The scene is etched onto every Indian's mind till date.
What you might not know about Achyut Potdar
Achyut Potdar had not received official training in acting. He reportedly worked as a professor in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa and had listed himself to serve in the Indian Army. The veteran actor had entered the film industry at the age of 44 and continued working since then.
Achyut Potdar is survived by his daughter Anuradha Paraskar. She had authored a book titled Achyut Potdar: A Life of Simplicity, Resilience and Commitment. The novel is based on her father's life.
FAQs:
Q. Who is the daughter of Achyut Potdar?
A. Achyut Potdar's daughter is Anuradha Paraskar.
Q. Is 3 Idiots based on a real story?
A. No, 3 Idiots is not a direct biopic of Sonam Wangchuk, the character of Rancho (Phunsukh Wangdu) which was played by Aamir Khan.
Q. Where can I watch 3 Idiots online?
A. Aamir Khan-R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi's 3 Idiots is available for streaming on Prime Video.