Pradeep Rawat, ‘Ghajini’ and ‘Lagaan’ actor, dies at 74 after cancer relapse

Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat passed away on August 4, 2026, after a battle with blood cancer. Known as one of Indian cinema's most iconic screen villains, his demise left the film industry mourning. Paying tribute to his late friend and co-star, Salman Khan shared a heartfelt note on social media.Salman posted a throwback still from their film Baaghi: A Rebel for Love, reminiscing about the moments they shared together. Along with the photo, he wrote, "Shared many good moments with you brother... May you rest in peace."Salman Khan and Pradeep Rawat shared screen space in two Hindi films during the early years of their careers, Baaghi: A Rebel for Love (1990) and Patthar Ke Phool (1991). In Baaghi, Salman played the lead role of Saajan Sood, while Pradeep portrayed the character Buddha.Aamir Khan remembered Pradeep Rawat as a fearless and dedicated performer who played an irreplaceable role in the success of Ghajini. Mourning the veteran actor's demise, Aamir told Variety India, "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."Aamir Khan Remembers Pradeep RawatRecalling their association beyond Ghajini, Aamir also praised Pradeep's performance in Lagaan, where he portrayed Deva Singh Sodhi. He said, "I don't think anyone could have played Sodhi with such swag. He was a versatile actor. It's sad to hear of his passing." Aamir later attended Pradeep Rawat's funeral in Mumbai to pay his final respects to his longtime co-star.Pradeep Rawat's Son Breaks Down During Actor's Last Rites; Heartbreaking Funeral Videos Surface Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat passed away on August 4, 2026, after suffering a relapse of cancer. According to his manager, Siddharth Tiwari, the actor was diagnosed with stomach cancer four years ago and had recovered, remaining healthy until April this year. However, in May 2026, he was diagnosed with blood cancer. In July, Pradeep was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for 2–3 weeks before being shifted to a cancer speciality hospital in Bhiwandi for further treatment. During his hospitalisation, his platelet count suddenly dropped to around 6,000 per microliter, and despite doctors' efforts, he could not recover. Pradeep breathed his last between 6 pm and 6.30 pm on August 4.

Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, known for villainous roles, died on August 4, 2026. He was 74 and had been battling cancer which had relapsed. Rawat began his career on television and later excelled in films across industries. Fans and colleagues remembered his memorable performances in 'Mahabharat' and 'Ghajini'. His final screen appearance was in the Nepali film 'Aa bata Aama'.

Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat was cremated in Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon, with family members, friends and members of the film fraternity gathering to bid him a final farewell. Several emotional photos and videos from the funeral have since surfaced on social media, leaving fans heartbroken.One of the videos shows Rawat's son, Vikram Rawat, performing his father's last rites. The emotional moment captured him breaking down in tears as he carried out the rituals. In another touching scene, Vikram is seen gently caressing his father's head one last time before the funeral pyre was lit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)Pradeep Rawat's death Pradeep Rawat passed away on Tuesday (August 4) at the age of 74 after a prolonged battle with blood cancer. He died at a hospital after the disease returned following years of recovery.The veteran actor is survived by his wife, Kalyani Rawat, and their son, Vikram.Soon after the news of his demise was announced, Lagaan co-star Yashpal Sharma paid tribute to his friend on Instagram, writing, “Pradeep Rawat, our Ghajini, Deva of Lagaan, RIP.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yashpal Sharma (@iyashpalsharma)The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also mourned the actor's death and remembered his immense contribution to Indian cinema."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," the association said in a statement shared on X.A remarkable career spanning over four decadesBorn on January 21, 1952, in Madhya Pradesh, Pradeep Rawat began his acting journey with Meri Jung. He later became a household name for portraying Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra's iconic television series Mahabharat.Over the next four decades, Rawat built an impressive career across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam cinema. He was widely known for his powerful villainous performances in films such as Sarfarosh, Lagaan, The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, Ghajini, Singh Is Bliing, Tiger Zinda Hai and Chhaava.While Lagaan and Sarfarosh cemented his place in Hindi cinema, his performance in S.S. Rajamouli's Sye earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Villain (Telugu) and opened the doors to a successful career in South Indian films.

Actor Pradeep Rawat, famously known for playing the antagonist in the movie Ghajini, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 74. Reportedly, the actor was battling blood cancer and died due to a recent relapse. Aamir Khan, who worked with Rawat in Lagaan and Ghajini, remembered his co-star and called him a 'fearless' actor.While talking to Variety India, Aamir 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.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pradeep Rawat (@i_pradeeprawat) Further talking about Rawat's performance in Lagaan, Aamir said that the actor brought his own flavour to the character Deva Singh Sodhi. He added, "I don’t think anyone could have played Sodhi with such swag. He was a versatile actor. It’s sad to hear of his passing.”Pradeep Rawat Movies & TV ShowsRawat starred in many popular movies and TV shows. He played the role of Ashwatthama in the popular show Mahabharat.Apart from Hindi films, the late actor had also left a mark down South with his performances. For his negative role in the Telugu movie Sye, he won multiple awards, including the Filmfare Best Villain Award (Telugu). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pradeep Rawat (@i_pradeeprawat) The actor's last film was Gaayapadda Simham (Telugu), which was released in May this year. His last Hindi movie was Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava, in which he portrayed the role of Yesaji Kank.Celebs & Fans MournMany celebrities and fans took to social media to mourn Rawat's demise. Vishnu Manchu tweeted, "It is deeply saddening to hear of the passing of Pradeep Rawat garu. On screen, he brought immense power to every character he portrayed. Off screen, he was the complete opposite: humble, simple, warm, and truly down to earth. That is how I will always remember him. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers. May God give them strength during this difficult time, and may his noble soul rest in eternal peace. Om Shanti (sic)."Check out the posts below...It is deeply saddening to hear of the passing of Pradeep Rawat garu.On screen, he brought immense power to every character he portrayed. Off screen, he was the complete opposite: humble, simple, warm, and truly down to earth. That is how I will always remember him.My…— Vishnu Manchu (@iVishnuManchu) August 5, 2026 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yashpal Sharma (@iyashpalsharma) Pradeep Rawat Funeral Rawat's funeral took place in Mumbai on Wednesday.

'Lagaan' and 'Ghajini' actor was remembered by colleagues and fans for his memorable performances and humble nature

The last rites of veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, who passed away on Tuesday (August 4) after a prolonged battle with blood cancer, will be held on Wednesday in Mumbai. The news was confirmed by his Lagaan co-star Yashpal Sharma, who also paid an emotional tribute to the late actor.Pradeep Rawat died at the age of 74 at a hospital in Bhiwandi after his cancer returned following years of recovery. Known for his performances in Ghajini, Lagaan, Mahabharat, and several Hindi and South Indian films, Rawat leaves behind a legacy that spans more than four decades.He is survived by his wife, Kalyani Rawat, and their son, Vikramaditya. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yashpal Sharma (@iyashpalsharma) Manager reveals details about his final daysThe actor's manager, Siddharth Tiwari, confirmed the news of Rawat's demise to HT City and revealed that he had been battling blood cancer for the past five years. Although he had successfully overcome the illness four years ago, the disease returned around six weeks ago. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FPJ Lifestyle (@fpjlifestyle)"He passed away today, August 4, somewhere between 6 to 6.30 pm. He survived cancer four years back, but again, since the last one and a half months, it was a relapse of cancer. So, he was hospitalised since one month. All of a sudden, his platelets went down and from there, he just couldn't recover," Tiwari stated.Yashpal Sharma and AICWA pay tributeSoon after the news of Rawat's death surfaced, Yashpal Sharma shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.“Pradeep Rawat, our Ghajini, Deva of Lagaan, RIP,” he wrote. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also expressed its condolences, remembering the veteran actor's contribution to Indian cinema."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," the statement read on X.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, 2026 A career spanning over four decadesBorn on January 21, 1952, in Madhya Pradesh, Pradeep Rawat began his film career with Meri Jung. He became a household name after portraying Ashwatthama in BR Chopra's Mahabharat.Over the years, he established himself as one of Indian cinema's most respected character actors, playing villainous roles in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam films. His notable credits include Sarfarosh, Lagaan, The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, Ghajini, Singh Is Bliing, Tiger Zinda Hai and Chhaava.While his performances in Lagaan and Sarfarosh earned praise, his career in Telugu cinema reached new heights with SS Rajamouli's Sye.