Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, known for his powerful villain roles in Ghajini and Lagaan, passed away on Tuesday evening at the age of 74. The actor had been fighting blood cancer for the last five years. His Lagaan co-star Yashpal Sharma confirmed the news and shared that the actor’s last rites would take place today, August 5.
Rawat’s manager, Siddharth Tiwari, told the media that the actor breathed his last between 6 pm and 6.30 pm on August 4 at a hospital in Bhiwandi. He had survived cancer four years ago, but the disease relapsed around one-and-a-half months ago. His health took a sudden turn when his platelet count dropped significantly.
Yashpal Sharma Confirms Funeral Details on Instagram
Yashpal Sharma, who shared screen space with Rawat in the Oscar-nominated film Lagaan, was among the first to publicly mourn his passing. He took to Instagram and wrote, “Pradeep Rawat, our Ghajini, Deva of Lagaan, RIP”.
Sharma also confirmed that the actor’s antim darshan (final viewing) and last rites would be held on Wednesday, August 5. The news spread quickly across social media, with fans and fellow actors expressing their shock and grief.
Last Rites and Funeral Arrangements
The actor’s mortal remains were kept at his residence in Goregaon, Mumbai, for family and close friends to pay their last respects. The final rites and cremation took place near the Oshiwara Bridge on SV Road, Jogeshwari West.
His manager had earlier informed that the funeral would be held on Wednesday evening. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
A Career Spanning Over Four Decades
Pradeep Rawat was born on January 21, 1952, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. He began his acting journey with the 1985 film Aitbaar. However, he first gained nationwide recognition in 1988 when he played Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra’s iconic television series Mahabharat. The role remains one of the most memorable performances from the epic series.
He later became one of Indian cinema’s most recognizable screen villains. His portrayal of Ghajini Dharmatma, the ruthless crime lord, in the 2005 Tamil film Ghajini and its 2008 Hindi remake starring Aamir Khan earned widespread acclaim.
Beyond villainous roles, Rawat showcased his versatility in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan (2001), where he played Deva Singh Sodhi, a fierce Sikh fast bowler. The performance stood apart from his usual antagonist image and earned appreciation from audiences and critics alike.
Work Across Multiple Film Industries
Rawat worked extensively across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, and Bhojpuri cinema. His Telugu film career began in 2004 with Sye and continued with successful films including Bhadra and Jagapathi. His final Telugu release was Gayapadha Simham, which came out in May 2026.
In Hindi cinema, his last appearance came in Chhaava, where he portrayed Yesaji Kanak alongside Vicky Kaushal. He had also completed shooting for the Kannada film Thrishulam, which is yet to be released.
Film Fraternity and Fans Pay Tribute
Following the news of his passing, several celebrities offered their condolences. Brijendra Kala commented on Yashpal Sharma’s post, saying, “Ohhh so sad. Om Shanti”. Jaya Bhattacharya also expressed her grief.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) remembered the late actor and celebrated his contribution to Indian cinema. The association’s statement read:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of veteran Bollywood actor Pradeep Rawat at the age of 74. With his powerful screen presence, he portrayed some of the most unforgettable villainous characters alongside many of Bollywood’s legendary comedians and actors. His remarkable performances and immense contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered and cherished by generations of film lovers.”
Fans also flooded social media with tributes. One user wrote, “Rest in peace, Ghajini and Ashwathama”, while another commented, “Om Shanti our Ghajini and Ashwathama”.
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Personal Life and Family
Pradeep Rawat is survived by his wife, Kalyani Rawat, and their 18-year-old son, Vikramaditya. Throughout his career, he worked with many of Bollywood’s biggest stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Vicky Kaushal. He remained a favourite among filmmakers across multiple industries.
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