Alvida Ghajini

Pradeep Rawat’s last rites held in Mumbai

Noorulain Sayed

The Indian film industry lost another gem of an actor and human being on August 4, 2026. The last rites of veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, who passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged battle with blood cancer, were held on Wednesday at a crematorium near Oshiwara Bridge on SV Road in Jogeshwari West, Mumbai. The news was confirmed by his Lagaan co-star Yashpal Sharma, who also paid an emotional tribute to the late actor. A few of his colleagues including Aamir Khan, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, actors Akhilendra Mishra, Amin Hajee attended the last rites.

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 (2008) and Lagaan (2001), he got his first big break in 1998 in B.R. Chopra’s Mahabharat. He was cast as Ashwatthama in it. One look at his filmography and it is very clear that he never shied away from doing bit roles especially in the earlier stages of his illutrious decades long career. He has acted in several South Indian films as well.

On Wednesday, Salman Khandropped a still from their movie  Baaghi: A Rebel for Love on his Instagram Stories, along with an emotional note that read, “Shared many good moments with you brother...May you rest in peace. (sic).”

Rawat is survived by his wife, Kalyani Rawat, and their son, Vikramaditya.

Iconic villain

When I first saw him in Aamir Khan’s Ghajini on the big screen, Rawat acted so well as the bad guy that anyone who watched the movie, hated him with a special passion. He makes an appearence on the screen right before the interval and it sent chills down our spines as we watched and gasped in shock as he unleashes a violent attack on the film’s lead characters. His dialogue “short term memory loss” has recall value. 

The film’s title was unique in a sense that it was named after his menacing character. More recently, I saw him on a podcast where he spoke at length about his struggling days and acting career. With a heavy heart I say alvida Ghajini, your hard work and passion for the craft will be forever missed.