Achyut Poddar’s “Aree kehna kya chahte ho” will stay forever: How a meme crossed generations

The film world bid farewell to veteran actor Achyut Potdar, who passed away on Monday, August 18, at the age of 91. He breathed his last at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, where he was admitted due to health complications. His funeral will take place on August 19 in Thane.

Though his career spanned more than four decades and over 125 films, Potdar became a household name for a single unforgettable moment in Rajkumar Hirani’s cult classic 3 Idiots. In the film’s classroom scene, he played the professor who questions Rancho (Aamir Khan) about “What is a machine?” Rancho’s unconventional answer irks him, and when Aamir’s character later asks for books with a long explanation, Potdar’s exasperated dialogue “Kehna kya chahte ho?”became immortal.

That short but powerful moment outlived the film itself. The line turned into one of the most used memes and stickers across social media, bridging generations. From college students quoting it in classrooms to younger kids discovering it online years later, Potdar’s expression and tone still spark laughter. It’s rare for an actor to be remembered so warmly through a single line, but Potdar’s “Kehna kya chahte ho” has truly transcended time.

Beyond this viral moment, Achyut Potdar built a remarkable body of work in Hindi and Marathi cinema. His filmography was a mix of critical gems and mainstream entertainers, including Aakrosh, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai, Ardh Satya, Parinda, Tezaab, Dilwale, Rangeela, Vaastav, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dabangg 2, and Ventilator. He was known for effortlessly slipping into supporting roles that added depth and authenticity to every story.

Potdar’s journey was anything but ordinary. Before films, he served as a professor in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, later joining the Indian Army, where he retired as a captain in 1967. He then worked with Indian Oil for 25 years before finally taking the leap into cinema at the age of 44. His late start didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most familiar faces on screen.

As fans mourn his passing, they also celebrate the laughter and warmth he left behind. Whether through his celebrated performances or the ever-relevant 3 Idiots meme, Achyut Potdar will continue to live on in pop culture and in the hearts of audiences for years to come.