Pradeep Rawat (Ghajini / Lagaan actor) passes away at 74
Veteran Bollywood and South Indian actor Pradeep Rawat, best known for his powerful antagonistic roles in Ghajini and Lagaan, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the age of 74 after a prolonged battle with blood cancer.
His last rites were performed on Wednesday, August 5, in Mumbai. The film fraternity turned up in large numbers to pay their final respects.
Aamir Khan and Lagaan Team Attend Funeral
Aamir Khan, who shared the screen with Pradeep Rawat in both Lagaan (2001) and Ghajini (2008), arrived at the cremation ground in Goregaon to bid farewell to his co-star.
Director Ashutosh Gowariker and several members of the Lagaan team, including Yashpal Sharma, Daya Shankar Pandey, Akhilendra Mishra and Rajendra Gupta, were also present.
Speaking about the late actor, Aamir Khan 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.”
Salman Khan’s Heartfelt Tribute
Salman Khan, who worked with Pradeep Rawat in films like Baaghi, Patthar Ke Phool and Sangdil Sanam, shared a throwback photo and wrote:
“Shared many good moments with you brother… May you rest in peace.”
Who Was Pradeep Rawat?
Born on 21 January 1952 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Pradeep Rawat began his career in the 1980s. He first gained widespread recognition for playing Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra’s iconic television series Mahabharat.
He went on to become one of the most recognisable villains in Indian cinema, working extensively in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam films.
His breakthrough in Telugu cinema came with S.S. Rajamouli’s Sye (2004), for which he won the Filmfare, Nandi and Santosham awards for Best Villain.
He later played the ruthless Ghajini Dharmatma in the Tamil film Ghajini (2005) and reprised the same role in Aamir Khan’s Hindi remake in 2008 — a performance that remains one of his most iconic.
Other notable films include Sarfarosh, Chhatrapati, Stalin, Desamuduru and more recent appearances in projects like Chhaava.
Pradeep Rawat is survived by his wife Kalyani Rawat and son Vikramaditya (also referred to as Vikram) Rawat. Emotional videos of his son performing the last rites have been circulating widely.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and several colleagues from the industry have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a versatile and committed artiste.
Rest in peace, Pradeep Rawat. Your powerful screen presence will always be remembered.
Catch us for latest Bollywood News, Movies Reviews, New Movie Release , and Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
