Veteran actor Viju Khote known for playing Kaalia in Sholay passes away.

Veteran Hindi and Marathi film-theatre actor Viju Khote passed away on Monday due to multiple organ failure. He was 77.

The actor, most famous for playing the dacoit Kalia in Sholay and Robert in Andaz Apna Apna, died at his residence.

Bollywood celebrities took to social media to express condolences at his death.

The last rites of the actor will be performed at Chandan Wadi around 11 am. The actor is related to veteran actors Shubha Khote and Durga Khote. 

Khote featured in popular films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Ventilator and the TV show Zabaan Sambhalke. 

Renowned for comedy roles, Viju was famed for the evergreen lines: Kitne Aadmi The?, Do, Sarkar from the film Sholay in which he played dacoit Gabbar Singh's bumbling sidekick Kaalia. 

In a career spanning around six decades, Khote worked in over 300 films, including Phir Hera Pheri, Andaz Apna Apna, besides some television shows and ads.

Bollywood celebrities took to social media to express condolences at his death. 

Ajay Devgn wrote, "Actors like Viju Khote were institutions by themselves. Their 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."

Actors like Viju Khote were institutions by themselves. Their 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.

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) September 30, 2019

Suniel Shetty wrote, "Will miss you Viju ji... Rest in peace." 

Will miss you Viju ji... Rest in peace 🙏#vijukhote #RIPVijukhote pic.twitter.com/wgALPTmNsa

— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) September 30, 2019

Rishi Kapoor wrote how they used to travel around on bikes. "RIP. Viju Khote. A dear friend over the years. Though many elders,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?"

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? pic.twitter.com/6e6KXaepFI

— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 30, 2019

Madhuri Dixit wrote, "Sad to hear about the demise of #VijuKhote Ji. May his soul rest in peace." 

Sad to hear about the demise of #VijuKhote Ji. May his soul rest in peace.

— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) September 30, 2019

Boman Iran wrote an emotional post, "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." 

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. pic.twitter.com/IJdkXACr8S

— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) September 30, 2019