Filmmaker Hansal Mehta took to X to share a heartfelt tribute to veteran actor Achyut Potdar, who passed away yesterday. Reflecting on his early admiration and eventual collaboration with Potdar, Mehta wrote: "I was a fan of his character as Jaggu dada’s father. The line ‘Ae Jaggu’ from ‘Angaar’ made me his permanent fan. Was a privilege to have directed him in my directorial debut ‘Jayate’. He played a professional medical witness. Amazing timing and a super caustic sense of humour. Go well Achyut Potdar sir."
Potdar’s role in the 1992 film Angaar, where he portrayed Jackie Shroff’s father, left a lasting impression on audiences. With just a simple line—“Ae Jaggu”—he managed to etch his presence into the minds of a generation. It was emblematic of the understated strength he brought to his performances, often playing supporting roles that quietly shaped the emotional gravity of a scene.
With over 100 films to his credit, including 3 Idiots and Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Potdar was a mainstay in Hindi cinema, known for his ability to slip effortlessly into characters ranging from professors to judges to unassuming fathers. His disciplined approach, likely shaped by his background as an ex-army officer, lent his performances a dignified realism that resonated with audiences.
Mehta’s tribute also revealed Potdar’s role in the director’s unreleased 1997 debut film Jayate, where he played a medical witness. Though the film never saw a public release, the collaboration was an important milestone in both their careers. Potdar’s performance, though largely unseen, exemplified the depth and professionalism he brought to even the quietest roles.
Achyut Potdar’s passing marks the end of an era of dependable, nuanced character acting in Indian cinema. He may not have always played the lead, but his impact was unmistakable—crafted line by line, frame by frame, with sincerity and skill.