Veteran Marathi actor Viju Khote passes away
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.
Viju Khote celebrates 75th birthday
Veteran Hindi and Marathi film actor Viju Khote celebrated his 75th birthday with his family members. Born on 17th December 1941, Viju Khote has worked as character actor in more than 300 films in his acting career, which began with a Marathi film ‘Ya Malak’ in 1964. Since then, he has been performing character roles non stop for the past 52 years.
Younger brother of popular veteran actress Shubha Khote and son of stage actor Nandu Khote, Viju Khote became popular after the release of super hit film ‘Sholay’ in which he played Kalia, the close associate of villain Gabbar played Amjad Khan. Recently, we saw him in the Marathi film ‘Ventilator’. With his helpful nature Viju Khote has many admirers. He was also chief guest of Marathi Movie World award function last year. Wishing him a very happy birthday.
Abhijteet, Samidha and others all praise for MMW Awards
The popular awards based on Viewer’s choice every year by MMW (MarathiMovieWorld.com) were presented yesterday to artistes and technicians in different categories of films, TV serials and Dramas. MarathiMovieWorld.com is the leading site on Marathi films, with maximum viewership from different parts of India and abroad. Well Known Marathi and Hindi film personality Mr. Viju Khote was the chief guest on the occasion. Among the special invitees were film makers Kishor Belekar , Manohar Sarvankar and Vikas Kore, Co Founder & Managing Director of Bharat Jadhav Entertainment Pvt. Ltd congratulated the award winners and thanked the viewers for their overwhelming response, while deciding their popular choices in 15 different categories spread over Films, Television and Dramas. Team MMW announce new SMS service via WhatsApp, for film lovers across Maharashtra, to know the nearest theatre location and show timing of the film, they wish to see.
The chief guest who arrived little before the scheduled time, set a new precedent to all the invitees, about the punctuality to be observed. He however did not give a speech due to ill health; but blessed all the prize winners. Those winners who were physically present to collect their awards were Ms. Leena Deore of RajRadha Movies (Viti Dandu), Manish More (Best promo for ‘Balak Palak’) , Sachin Gurav (Best Publicity Design – ‘Narbachi Wadi’), Mr. Anand Chavan from Endemol India Productions( for the best serial ‘Lagori’), actor Abhijit Khandekar, (Fresh face of the year – film JMDB) & actress Samidha Guru Best actress of the Drama ‘Get Well Soon’.
Many other award winners including producer of ‘Duniyadari’, actor Swapnil Joshi, actress Saie Tamhankar, best actor Dilip Prabhavalkar, best director Chandrakant Kulkarni for the play ‘Get well Soon’ and others could not make it for this function, much to the disappointment of the hosts. Ms. Sanskruti Bhatkar of MaratrhiMovieWorld.com welcomed the guests and also anchored the show.
The award winners in different categories were us under:
Feature Film Section
Most Awaited Film 2014: Vitti Dandu
Best Film of The Year: Duniyadari
Best Marketed Film of The Year: Duniyadari
Best Promo of the film: Balak Palak
Best Publicity Design: Narbachi Wadi
Fresh (Male) Face of the year: Abhijit Khandkekar (Jai Maharashtra Dhabha Bhatinda)
Fresh (Female) Face of the year: Shriya Pilgaonkar (Ekulti Ek)
Best Actor: Dilip Prabhawalakr (Narbachi Wadi)
Best Actress: Sai Tamhankar (Duniyadari)
Television Section
Best Serial of the year: Lagori (Star Pravah)
Best actor : Shashank Ketkar (Honar Sunn Mi Hya Gharachi)
Best Actress: Anuja Sathe-Gokhale (Lagori)
Theatre Section
Best Play of the year : Get Well Soon, (Directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni)
Best Actor : Swapnil Joshi (Get Well Soon)
Best Actress: Samidha Guru (Get Well Soon)
( We can only say, this was not only voting based on popular choice, for but the best work of the year.)