The Pradeep Rawat funeral will take place in Mumbai today after the veteran actor passed away at the age of 74 following a long battle with blood cancer. His death has left the Indian film industry mourning one of its most respected character actors, whose performances in Lagaan, Ghajini, Mahabharat, and several South Indian films earned widespread recognition.
_x000D_Friends, colleagues, and fans continue to pay tribute to the actor, whose career spanned more than four decades.
_x000D_ _x000D_Pradeep Rawat Funeral to Be Held in Mumbai
_x000D_Family members confirmed that the Pradeep Rawat funeral will be conducted in Mumbai on Wednesday.
_x000D_The actor passed away on Tuesday evening at a hospital in Bhiwandi after his blood cancer returned earlier this year.
_x000D_Rawat is survived by his wife, Kalyani Rawat, and his son, Vikramaditya.
_x000D_ _x000D_Blood Cancer Returned After Years of Recovery
_x000D_According to his manager, Siddharth Tiwari, Pradeep Rawat had successfully recovered from blood cancer several years ago.
_x000D_However, the illness returned around six weeks ago.
_x000D_He remained hospitalized for nearly a month before his health deteriorated rapidly after his platelet count dropped significantly.
_x000D_Despite medical treatment, doctors were unable to stabilize his condition.
_x000D_ _x000D_Bollywood Pays Emotional Tribute
_x000D_Following the news of his passing, actor Yashpal Sharma, who worked with Rawat in Lagaan, shared an emotional message on social media.
_x000D_He wrote:
_x000D_ _x000D__x000D__x000D_“Pradeep Rawat, our Ghajini, Deva of Lagaan, RIP.”
_x000D_
Meanwhile, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) praised the actor’s immense contribution to Indian cinema.
_x000D_The organization described Rawat as an unforgettable performer whose powerful villainous roles left a lasting impression on audiences across generations.
_x000D_ _x000D_Career Spanned More Than Four Decades
_x000D_Pradeep Rawat began his film career with Meri Jung before gaining nationwide recognition as Ashwatthama in BR Chopra’s television epic Mahabharat.
_x000D_Over the years, he established himself as one of Indian cinema’s most dependable character actors.
_x000D_His memorable films include:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Lagaan _x000D_
- Sarfarosh _x000D_
- Ghajini _x000D_
- The Hero: Love Story of a Spy _x000D_
- Tiger Zinda Hai _x000D_
- Singh Is Bliing _x000D_
- Chhaava _x000D_
Besides Hindi cinema, Rawat also built a successful career in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam films.
_x000D_ _x000D_South Indian Cinema Also Celebrates His Legacy
_x000D_Although audiences admired his performances in Bollywood classics like Lagaan and Sarfarosh, director SS Rajamouli’s Telugu film Sye significantly expanded his popularity in South Indian cinema.
_x000D_His commanding screen presence made him one of the industry’s most recognizable antagonists.
_x000D_Many filmmakers and actors from regional cinema have also expressed condolences following his death.
_x000D_ _x000D_A Lasting Legacy in Indian Cinema
_x000D_As the Pradeep Rawat funeral takes place today, the Indian film industry remembers an actor who consistently delivered memorable performances regardless of the size of his role.
_x000D_His versatility, distinctive screen presence, and dedication to his craft helped him remain relevant across multiple film industries for more than 40 years.
_x000D_While his passing marks the end of an extraordinary career, Pradeep Rawat’s performances will continue to be remembered by generations of cinema lovers.