Viju Khote, the popular veteran Indian actor, passed away onMonday around 7 am in Mumbai. The cause of his death is not known yet. Theactor, best known for his role as Kaalia in Sholay, has worked over 300 films.including Bollywood and Marathi. He was 77. The actor is related to veteranactors Shubha Khote and Durga Khote.

"He passed away today at 6.55 am peacefully in hissleep at the residence. He has been unwell since quite sometime. He hadmultiple organ failure," actor Bhavana Balsavar, his niece, told PTI.

"He did not wish to die in the hospital so we hadbrought him home few days ago. It is a great loss for all of us," shesaid.The last rites of the actor will be performed at Chandan Wadi around 11am.

Popular journalist Faridoon Shahryar shared the sad news onsocial media. "Sad News: Mr Viju Khote passed away today. He had beenworking in movies since 1964 and is most famous for playing Kalia in#Sholay", he tweeted.