Veteran Marathi actor Viju Khote who made his acting debut in films through Marathi film ‘Ya Malak’ way back in 1964 is no more. He passed away today morning in his sleep at his residence. Viju Sir was no keeping well for some time due to multiple organ failure and was hospitalised on few occasions. However, at his request, during his last stage he preferred to remain at home. He was 77.

Viju Khote came into prominence because of his role of ‘Kalia’ in the super hit Hindi film ‘Sholay’ , where he played the right hand of Amjad Khan the main villain Gabbar in this film. His dialogue “Sardar, maine aap ka namak khaya hai sardar” had also become very popular . He had worked in about 300 Hindi and Marathi films in his acting career for the past 55 years. Viju Sir played a very important role in National award winning Marathi film ‘Uttarayan’ and ‘Ventilator’ was his last Marathi film released in 2016.

It may be recalled that Viju Sir was the chief guest at the MMW award function in 2015, when despite ill health he attended the function. He belonged to the family of late veteran actress Dura Khote . Veteran popular actress Shubha Khote his sister and he was uncle of actress Bhavna Balsavar.