Viju Khote was a Veteran Hindi and Marathi film-theatre actor, best known for playing the role of ‘Kaalia’ in the epic movie Sholay (1975).
Wiki/Biography
Vittal Bapurao Khote or popularly known as Viju Khotey was born on Monday, 17 December 1941 (age 77 years at the time of death) in Bombay Presidency, British India. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius. He attended St. Sebastian’s Gaon High School in Mumbai, and later, he completed his graduation.
Viju Khote’s Old Picture
Viju was born into a Hindu family. His father ‘Nandu Khote’ was a stage actor in silent films. His sister ‘Shubha Khote’ is a well known Bollywood and Indian TV actress. The late actress ‘Durga Khote’ was his aunt. The Indian TV actress Bhavna Balsavar is his niece. Viju got married to Nimma, and they were blessed with two sons- Sunil Khote and Lucky Khote.
Viju Khote with His Sister
Viju Khote’s Sister and Niece
Viju Khote’s Aunt
Career
Viju’s sister was a well-established actress before he started his career in acting. He worked in both the Hindi and Marathi cinemas. His first movie was Ya Malak (1964), produced by his father. He worked in more than 300 Hindi and Marathi movies some of which include- Anokhi Raat (1968), Shareef Budmaash (1973), Sholay (1975), Andaz Apna Apna (1994), China Gate (1998), Golmaal 3 (2010), and Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge (2010).
A Still From Viju Khotey’s Film
His character of ‘Kaalia’ in Sholay (1975) and ‘Robert’ in Andaz Apna Apna (1994) became iconic. His dialogues from both the movies are still reminded-
Sardar maine aap ka namak khaya hai” (Sholay)
Galti se mistake ho gaya.” (Andaz Apna Apna)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leLE6PW3dxQ
He was comfortable in doing the comic role, so, he decided to play more comic characters rather than the negative characters in the movies. His last movie ‘Jaane Kyun De Yaaron’ was released in 2018.
A Still From Viju Khotey’s Last Film- Jaane Kyun De Yaaron
Death
He died on 30 September 2019, at 6.55 am in Mumbai at his residence. He had multiple organ failure, and his last riots were performed at Chandan Wadi in Mumbai. On his demise, his niece said
He passed away today at 6.55 am peacefully in his sleep at his residence. He has been unwell since quite some time. He had multiple organ failure.”
Viju Khote’s Last Riots
Facts
- He used to run a printing press before he started acting.
- Reportedly, he had received Rs. 2500 for playing the role of ‘Kaaliya’ in the movie Sholay (1975).
Viju Khote as Kaalia
- As per his interview, he used to admire Bollywood actor Sanjeev Kumar; as he was very down to earth and while shooting for Sholay, Sanjeev used to stay in the same hotel with them unlike the other actors of the movie.