Marathi actor Viju Khote, who is known for playing Kalia in iconic movie Sholay, passed away in Mumbai early Sept 30 morning. The 78-year-old actor is survived by his sister Shubha Khote.

Viju Khote hailed from a family of artistes. His sister Shubha Khote is an actress and his father Nandu was a noted stage actor and in silent movies. His sister-in-law Durga Khote was also an actress. He started his acting career with Ya Malak in 1964. Later he went on to acting in over 300 Hindi and Marathi films. He also acted in several Marathi plays.

But Viju Khote is famously remembered for his role as the dacoit Kalia in Sholay and Robert in movie Andaz Apna Apna. ‘Sardar maine aapka namak khaya hai’ and ‘galti se mistake hogaya’ are his popular dialogues. He also made his mark on small screen and is most remembered for his role in Zabaan Sambhalke (1993).