Ghajini actor Pradeep Rawat's last rites today; Yashpal Sharma confirms details

Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, celebrated for his iconic roles in Ghajini, Lagaan, and B.R. Chopra's Mahabharat, died at the age of 74 on Tuesday evening at a hospital in Bhiwandi following a battle with blood cancer. His death was confirmed by his Lagaan co-actor Yashpal Sharma, with the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also issuing a statement mourning the loss of the screen antagonist.Yashpal Sharma confirmed on Instagram that the actor's antim darshan (final glimpse) and last rites will be held on Wednesday, August 5. Paying tribute, Sharma wrote, "Pradeep Rawat, our Ghajini, Deva of Lagaan, RIP (sic)," shortly after the news broke.The All Indian Cine Workers Association issued a statement on X, which 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 (sic)."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 pic.twitter.com/hQacsCzdvE— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@aicwaofficial) August 4, 2026Rawat is survived by his wife, Kalyani Rawat, and their son, Vikramaditya. Born on January 21, 1952, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Rawat had an acting career spanning more than four decades. Apart from Hindi films, he also worked in Telugu, Tamil and other film industries. Many television viewers first recognised him as Ashwatthama in BR Chopra's Mahabharat (1988), a role that remains closely associated with the iconic mythological series. He later became a familiar face in cinema through a range of supporting and negative roles.Rawat appeared as Sultan in actor Aamir Khan's Sarfarosh (1999) and played fast bowler Deva Singh Sodhi in the Oscar-nominated Lagaan (2001).He also earned acclaim as the antagonist Ghajini Dharmatma, first playing the character in the 2005 Tamil film Ghajini, and later reprising the role in the 2008 Hindi remake featuring Aamir Khan.- EndsPublished By: Anurag BohraPublished On: Aug 5, 2026 13:17 IST