Achyut
Potdar with Director Shashilal Nair and Jackie Shroff
Mumbai, 27th August 2024 – Veteran actor Achyut Potdar,
whose dialogue “Kehna
kya chahte ho” from the film 3 Idiots has become
iconic, celebrated his milestone 90th birthday at the Army Club, Juhu,
Mumbai on Saturday, 24th August 2024. The event was marked by an overwhelming
show of love and respect from the film and television industry and from close
friends and family members who gathered to honour the legendary actor.
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a short
biography, Achyut Potdar – A Life of Simplicity, Resilience and Contentment,
authored by his daughter, Anuradha Paraskar. The book, which chronicles
Potdar’s career and personal life, was revealed by Bollywood star Jackie
Shroff, who shares a special bond with Mr. Potdar.
Potdar's multifaceted journey started as an Economics
lecturer, then as an Army officer during the Indo-Pak war of 1965, and later
transitioned to a 25-year corporate career at Indianoil, all while passionately
pursuing his love for acting. Having been featured in over 125 films, 120
television serials, several theatrical plays and over 60 advertisements, Hindi
and Marathi theatre remain his first love, where he acted with icons including
Pandit Satyadev Dubey, Vijaya Mehta, and Sulabha Deshpande. Throughout his journey,
he received several awards and was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award
by Zee Marathi in 2022.
Speaking at the event, Shroff said, "You are an
amazing actor and my most favourite screen daddy. ‘Ey Jaggu Jaggu’ from the
film Angaar rings in my ears even today."
Senior Director, Govind Nihalani with whom Potdar
started his film career in the film Aakrosh, along with directors Shashilal
Nair and Rajkumar Santoshi also attended the event.
Video bytes and testimonials were received for the book
launch from several Bollywood and television personalities including Aamir
Khan, Vidya Balan, Urmila Matondkar, Raju Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Sonali
Bendre, Amol Palekarand Nana Patekar.
Speaking on the occasion, Aamir Khan with whom Potdar acted
in Raakh, Rangeela and Three Idiots said, “Whether it is drama or comedy, you
are pitch perfect. You are a generous actor and a wonderful human being with a
great sense of humour.”
Remembering the film Parineeta, Vidya Balan said “Your
adorable, jovial and youthful spirit on the sets then and now inspires me even
today.”
About the book Achyut Potdar – A Life of Simplicity,
Resilience and Contentment: A short biography chronicled by his daughter,
Anuradha Paraskar, the book walks you through Potdar’s life of simplicity,
resilience and above all integrity, offering a quick peek into his
uncompromising values, his entry into Bollywood, various career trajectories,
family life, and everything in between. The book is available on Amazon and
Flipkart.
For more information, please contact:
anuparaskar@gmail.com (+91 9820305520)