Mumbai: Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, known for his impactful performances in films like ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Ghajini’, has passed away at the age of 74.
The news was confirmed by actor Yashpal Sharma, who paid an emotional tribute to his longtime colleague through a post on Instagram on Tuesday.
“Pradeep Rawat, our Ghajini, Deva of Lagaan. RIP,” he wrote.
Speaking about the actor’s demise, Pradeep’s manager Siddharth Tiwari confirmed the news and revealed, “He was suffering from cancer, and it had relapsed. He has died a few hours back.”
He is survived by his wife and son, Vikramaditya.
According to reports, the actor had been undergoing treatment at a hospital for over a month before his demise.
Rawat’s acting career spanned over four decades, during which he worked across multiple film industries, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Nepali cinema.
He first gained recognition on television with his portrayal of Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra’s iconic series Mahabharat before making a successful transition to films as a sought-after character actor.
Known for his powerful screen presence, Rawat often portrayed formidable antagonists.
Apart from his memorable roles in Lagaan and Ghajini, his film credits included notable performances in Sye, Rowdy Rathore and several Telugu films.
His intense performances and commanding presence made him one of the most recognised actors for negative roles across industries.