Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, known for memorable versatile performances from villainous avatar to funny portrayals in popular films like Ghajini, Lagaan, Sarfarosh and B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat, was laid to rest in Mumbai on August 5. The actor passed away on Tuesday evening at the age of 74 after battling blood cancer. His health had reportedly worsened after the illness recurred, following which he was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He was later shifted to a cancer hospital in Bhiwandi, where he breathed his last while undergoing treatment.
The news of his demise was confirmed by his Lagaan co-star Yashpal Sharma, who paid tribute by writing, “Pradeep Rawat, our Ghajini, Deva of Lagaan, RIP.” The All Indian Cine Workers Association also mourned his passing, remembering him as an actor whose performances left a lasting mark on Indian cinema.
Film Fraternity Gathers For Pradeep Rawat Final Farewell
Pradeep Rawat’s last rites were held in Goregaon, Mumbai where his family members, close friends and several colleagues from the film industry gathered to bid him a final goodbye. Among those present were Aamir Khan, Ashoke Pandit, Akhilendra Mishra, Raj Arjun, Karan V. Grover, Poppy Jabbal, Surendra Pal, Ruhanika Dhawan & Rajendra Gupta among several others.
Pictures from the funeral showed Rawat’s loved ones carrying his photograph during the final procession while another image captured the decorated ambulance that carried the late actor on his last journey. The gathering reflected the respect he had earned during his four-decade-long career across many languages of Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali and in Bhojpuri cinema too.
Aamir Khan Remembers His ‘Ghajini’ And ‘Lagaan’ Co-Star
Remembering Pradeep Rawat, Aamir Khan paid an emotional tribute while recalling the actor’s commitment to his craft.
Speaking to Variety India, Aamir said, “He was extremely dedicated and fearless as an actor. Pradeepji played the title role in Ghajini. I think this was one of the most striking screen villains in our cinema. The film wouldn’t have worked without him.”
The actor also looked back at Rawat’s role as Deva Singh Sodhi in Lagaan and praised the impact he brought to the character. “I don’t think anyone could have played Sodhi with such swag. He was a versatile actor. It’s sad to hear of his passing,” Aamir added.
A Career That Left A Lasting Impression
Pradeep Rawat began his acting journey as Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra’s iconic television series Mahabharat. Over the years, he became one of Indian cinema’s most recognised character actors, earning appreciation for both negative and supporting roles across multiple film industries. He is survived by his wife Kalyani Rawat and son, Vikramaditya.
Pradeep Rawat may no longer be with us but the characters he brought to life continue to live on through his films and television work. From Mahabharat to Lagaan and Ghajini, his performances remain memorable while the presence of so many colleagues at his funeral reflected the respect and admiration he earned throughout his career.
