Cinema VinesActor Pradeep Rawat, 74, passed away on August 4 after a relapse of cancer. The 74‑year‑old, known for his work across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada cinema, was laid to rest in Mumbai on Wednesday evening. His funeral drew a wide array of film personalities, underscoring the respect he earned over a career that spanned more than three decades.
The cast and crew of the 2001 Oscar‑nominated film Lagaan paid their respects, with director Ashutosh Gowariker and star Aamir Khan attending the service. Aamir met with Rawat’s family and expressed heartfelt condolences, recalling their collaboration on the 2005 blockbuster Ghajini. Salman Khan also took to social media, sharing a still from the 1990 romantic drama Baaghi in which the two actors had worked together, and wrote, “Shared many good moments with you brother.. May you rest in peace.”
Other notable mourners included Yashpal Sharma, Daya Shankar Pandey, Rajendra Gupta, and Surendra Pal, all of whom had worked with Rawat on various projects. Surendra Pal, who had lived with Rawat, remembered him as a “wonderful human being” who delivered memorable performances, especially in Ghajini. Pawan Kalyan, the Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor, posted a tribute, calling Rawat’s death “heartbreaking” and wishing him peace.
Rawat is survived by his wife, Kalyani, and their son, Vikramaditya. He had a Master’s degree in Journalism and spent over a decade as a field reporter and sub‑editor for publications such as The Times of India and Reader’s Digest before turning to acting. His filmography includes notable titles such as Sarfarosh, Sye, Naayak, Sardar Gabbar Singh, and Katamarayudu, where he often portrayed complex antagonists. His legacy continues to resonate with fans across multiple film industries.
