Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, celebrated for his memorable performances in Mahabharat, Lagaan, Ghajini and several South Indian films, was cremated in Mumbai on Wednesday following his death at the age of 74.
The last rites were performed in Goregaon (West), Mumbai, where family members, close friends and several film personalities gathered to bid an emotional farewell to the veteran actor.
Family Bids an Emotional Goodbye
The atmosphere at the funeral was filled with grief as Rawat’s son, Vikramaditya Rawat, became emotional while paying his final respects to his father.
According to those present, the family was surrounded by relatives and close friends as the actor was laid to rest after a month-long battle with recurring cancer.
Rawat had reportedly been undergoing treatment before his health deteriorated in recent weeks.
Aamir Khan Pays His Final Respects
Among the prominent personalities present at the funeral was Aamir Khan, who arrived to offer condolences to the bereaved family.
Veteran actor Raza Murad also attended the last rites, joining members of the film fraternity in honouring Rawat’s decades-long contribution to Indian cinema.
Their presence reflected the respect Rawat earned through his work across multiple film industries.
Salman Khan Shares an Emotional Tribute
Although Salman Khan could not attend the funeral, the actor remembered his longtime colleague by sharing an old photograph with Pradeep Rawat on social media.
The two actors had worked together in several films over the years and shared a warm professional relationship.
Actor Sonu Sood also paid tribute by posting a monochrome photograph of Rawat and writing:
“Pradeep Rawat Bhai, you will be missed forever. You will always be remembered.”
The Actor Who Became Ashwatthama for a Generation
Pradeep Rawat began his acting journey with B.R. Chopra’s iconic television series Mahabharat, where he portrayed Ashwatthama.
The role brought him nationwide recognition and established him as a powerful performer capable of portraying intense and commanding characters.
His portrayal remains one of the most remembered interpretations of the legendary warrior from the epic.
A Career That Crossed Language Barriers
After finding success on television, Rawat built an impressive film career across Hindi and South Indian cinema.
His notable Hindi films include:
- Lagaan
- Sarfarosh
- Ghajini
- Grand Masti
He also became a familiar face in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali and Bhojpuri cinema through memorable antagonist and character roles.
In Tamil cinema, his performance in the 2005 version of Ghajini received widespread appreciation before he reprised the role in the Hindi remake starring Aamir Khan.
The Midnight Call That Changed His Career
One of the most interesting stories from Rawat’s career involved his casting in Lagaan.
The role of Deva was initially offered to another actor, but after scheduling conflicts, Pradeep Rawat was considered for the part.
Impressed by Rawat’s performance in Sarfarosh, Aamir Khan reportedly called him late at night to discuss the film.
According to Rawat’s earlier interviews, his sister initially believed the caller claiming to be Aamir Khan was playing a prank and dismissed the call. It was only after the actor contacted the family again through a mutual acquaintance that they realised the offer was genuine.
Rawat later met Aamir Khan, signed the contract and officially joined the cast of Lagaan.
The Story Behind Ghajini
Rawat had also previously spoken about how director A.R. Murugadoss eventually cast Aamir Khan in the Hindi remake of Ghajini.
He recalled recommending Aamir for the project after believing the actor’s disciplined working style would complement the filmmaker’s vision.
The film went on to become one of the biggest commercial successes in Hindi cinema and marked a major milestone at the Indian box office.
Personal Life
Pradeep Rawat experienced both challenges and happiness in his personal life.
His first marriage ended within a short period. He later married Kalyani Rawat, who was associated with the South Indian film industry.
The couple welcomed their son, Vikramaditya Rawat, and remained together until the actor’s passing.
A Lasting Legacy
Across television and cinema, Pradeep Rawat built a reputation as a dependable performer who could bring authority, intensity and emotional depth to every role.
Whether audiences remember him as Ashwatthama, the fierce antagonist in Ghajini, or one of the memorable faces from Lagaan, his contribution to Indian entertainment spans decades and multiple languages.
His performances continue to inspire aspiring actors and remain an important part of Indian cinema’s rich history.
Cinefly Tribute
Pradeep Rawat’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian entertainment. His unforgettable performances across television and films earned him admiration from audiences and fellow artists alike. At Cinefly, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. His legacy will continue to live on through the characters he brought to life on screen.
