Veteran Actor Pradeep Rawat Passes Away at 74

Mumbai: Renowned actor Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat, one of Indian cinema's most formidable on-screen antagonists, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the age of 74. The actor breathed his last at a specialty hospital following a sudden relapse of blood cancer and a rapid drop in his platelet levels. He is survived by his wife, Kalyani Rawat, and their son, Vikramaditya Rawat. For more updates on cinema and national events, visit our latest entertainment and national news section.

A Stellar Career Across Hindi and South Indian Cinema

Born on January 21, 1952, Pradeep Rawat's acting career spanned over four decades across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada cinema. He first gained nationwide recognition playing Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra’s legendary television series Mahabharat (1988). He later showcased his versatility playing Deva Singh Sodhi, the fiercely loyal sepoy in Ashutosh Gowariker's Oscar-nominated film Lagaan (2001), and Sultan in Sarfarosh (1999).

The Iconic Legacy of 'Ghajini'

Rawat etched his name into Indian cinematic history with his chilling portrayal of the ruthless crime lord Ghajini Dharmatma in A.R. Murugadoss’s 2005 Tamil blockbuster Ghajini alongside Suriya, later reprising the titular villain role in the 2008 Hindi remake starring Aamir Khan. His performance remains one of the most celebrated antagonist portrayals in modern Indian cinema. He also established a towering presence in South Indian cinema with memorable roles in films like Sye, Naayak, and Chatrapathi.

Film Fraternity Mourns the Loss

Tributes poured in from across the film industry following the news of his demise. Prominent figures including Aamir Khan, director Ashutosh Gowariker, actor Yashpal Sharma, and Surendra Pal attended his final rites in Mumbai to pay their respects to the family. Co-stars and fans alike remembered Rawat not only as a formidable performer on screen but as a deeply humble and warm human being off camera.