Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat of 'Ghajini', 'Lagaan' fame passes away after battle with cancer
Renowned veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, celebrated for his iconic villain roles, has passed away at the age of seventy-four. His death occurred on the evening of August 4, 2026, as announced by his Lagaan co-star Yashpal Sharma. Rawat's remarkable contributions in both Hindi and South Indian cinema were matched only by his genuine humility and strong on-screen presence. He leaves behind a lasting…
Veteran Indian actor Pradeep Rawat, best known for his villainous roles in films like "Ghajini" and "Lagaan", has passed away at the age of 74 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His manager, Siddharth Tiwari, confirmed the news stating that Rawat passed away on August 4 between 6 to 6:30 pm due to a relapse of cancer after a four-year recovery period.
He was hospitalized for a month before his condition deteriorated suddenly. Rawat's funeral will be held on Wednesday evening, with his remains kept at his residence in Goregaon, Mumbai. He is survived by his wife and 18-year-old son.
Rawat, an esteemed figure in Indian cinema across various languages, first gained recognition for his portrayal of Ashwatthama in the series "Mahabharat" and later became synonymous with the character of Ghajini Dharmatma in both the original Tamil and Hindi versions of "Ghajini". Despite being primarily known for his villainous roles, Rawat showcased his versatility by portraying Deva, the Sikh sepoy in "Lagaan" (2001), which earned him praise for his distinct performance.
His contributions extended beyond South Indian cinema as well, leaving a significant impact on Hindi cinema as well.
The news of Rawat's death has stirred an outpouring of grief online, with many fans mourning the loss of one of Indian cinema's most formidable antagonists. Fellow actor Yashpal Sharma expressed his condolences, referring to Rawat as "our Ghajini and Ashwathama", highlighting the actor's iconic status in the industry.
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