The late actor had made an everlasting impact in the cult Marathi film, 'Ashi Hi Banva Banvi.' He has been active in theatres and in the TV industry, and is noted for his role in the serial 'Zabaan Sambhal Ke.'
Legendary screenwriter Salim Khan, actors Rishi Kapoor and Satish Shah are some of the renowned Bollywood figures to pay tributes to veteran actor Viju Khote, who passed away Monday at the age of 77.
Khote was most famous for playing the loyal dacoit, Kalia in "Sholay" and dim goon Robert in "Andaz Apna Apna".
The actor died in his sleep at his residence due to multiple organ failure.
The actor was highly admired for his portrayal of Kalia in the 1975 blockbuster hit 'Sholay'. Veteran star Rishi Kapoor remembered his "dear friend" with whom he used to "bike together" and tweeted, "RIP.
Viju Khote. Dear friend over the years. Though much elder,we used to bike together along with sister Shobha Khote ji,when I was young. Passionate and well informed about American films. We will miss you" Viju kutte aahe?"
"Actors like Viju Khote were institutions by themselves," Ajay Devgn tweeted.
The actor added that his work will always be remembered.
"I'm fortunate to have worked with him on quite a few films. RIP Sir. My heartfelt condolences to the family," he added.
Viju's 'Pukaar' co-star Madhuri Dixit also grieved the loss as she tweeted, "Sad to hear about the demise of #VijuKhote Ji. May his soul rest in peace."
"An endearing fellow and a generous co actor . AUM SHANTI VIJU JI," wrote Paresh Rawal on the micro-blogging site.
Abhishek Bachchan prayed for his soul to rest in piece and added "You had so much of it to give. My condolences to his family."
Noted filmmaker Akshoke Pandit too paid his tributes to the legendary actor writing, "Sad to know about the demise of one of the finest actors #vijukhote ji. My deepest condolences to his family."
Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, daughter of Javed Akhtar, said Khote's face is etched in the minds of cinema goers.
"He has been around, I've seen him in films since I was a child. He has been a part of 'Sholay', he is a face that has been on everyone's consciousness, whoever watches Indian cinema. We hope he rests in peace," she told reporters on the sidelines of Jio MAMI 21st Mumbai Film Festival with Star.
Satish Shah, Suniel Shetty, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Rekha Bhardwaj among others took to social media to remember Khote.
"A dear friend and a veteran actor Viju Khote passed on today. May you rest in eternal peace," Shah wrote on Twitter.
Kapoor, who co-starred with Khote in films like "Karz", remembered his "dear friend".
"Though much elder, we used to bike together along with sister Shobha Khote ji, when I was young. Passionate and well informed about American films. We will miss you. Viju kutte aahe? ('Where is Viju?')" he said.
"Sad to hear about the demise of #VijuKhote Ji. May his soul rest in peace," tweeted Nene.
Actor Ajay Devgn called Khote an "institution" in himself.
"His large body of work will always be remembered. I'm fortunate to have worked with him on quite a few films. RIP Sir. My heartfelt condolences to the family," Devgn added.
"#VijuKhote ji, rest in love! You had so much of it to give. My condolences to his family," Abhishek Bachchan said.
"Darling colleague Viju Khote is no more. Hilarious on stage, iconic on screen and a darling of a human being in real life. Such a loving and humble soul. Will miss you Bawa," tweeted Boman Irani.
Filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda said be it Kalia or Robert, the actor always made the audience laugh.
"... it's truly magical what you have done today a huge void has been created in the #IndianFilmIndustry. We will never forget you #VijuKhote," Panda tweeted.
Along with films, Khote also had involvement in theatre and TV industry.
His contribution to the Indian cinema is immense as he had a long career spanning over 50 years.
His character Robert from 'Andaz Apna movie also won many accolades and made him a well-known name in the industry.
The late actor had made an everlasting impact in the cult Marathi film, 'Ashi Hi Banva Banvi.' He has been active in theatres and in the TV industry, and is noted for his role in the serial 'Zabaan Sambhal Ke.'
Son of a noted stage actor Nandu Khote, he managed to make the audience laugh through films like 'Atithi Tum Kab Jaogey,' 'Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani,' 'Garam Masala,' 'Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya' and many more which will be cherished forever.
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