Aamir Khan at Rawat funeral: Veteran ‘Ghajini’ actor dies at 74; colleagues pay tribute

Pradeep Rawat was given a final farewell in Mumbai on August 5, with several members of the film fraternity attending his last rites to honour the veteran actor’s memory. Among those who gathered to pay their respects were Aamir Khan, Ashoke Pandit, Akhilendra Mishra, Raj Arjun, Karan V Grover, Surendra Pal and Ruhanika Dhawan, along with others.Pradeep Rawat’s death confirmed after battling blood cancerRawat breathed his last at 74 on Tuesday evening at a hospital in Bhiwandi following his battle with blood cancer. The news of his demise was confirmed by his ‘Lagaan’ co-star Yashpal Sharma, while the All Indian Cine Workers Association paid tribute to the late actor through an official statement. Pictures from his final rites showed his family, friends and industry colleagues gathered to honour his memory, with one image capturing his loved ones carrying his photograph during the final procession. Film fraternity attends the actor’s final ritesAnother image from the final rites showed a decorated ambulance carrying the late actor’s photograph. Other pictures captured Ashoke Pandit with Raj Arjun, while another showed Yashpal Sharma interacting with a guest at the venue. Several members of the film fraternity, including Akhilendra Mishra, Ruhanika Dhawan, Karan V Grover and his wife Poppy Jabbal, Rajendra Gupta and Surendra Pal, who portrayed Dronacharya in Mahabharata, were also present to pay their last respects.Yashpal Sharma remembers his ‘Lagaan’ co-starEarlier, Yashpal Sharma had shared that Pradeep Rawat’s last rites would be conducted on Wednesday, August 5. Remembering the late actor, his Lagaan co-star paid an emotional tribute, writing, "Pradeep Rawat, our Ghajini, Deva of Lagaan, RIP."Cine body pays tribute to Pradeep Rawat’s contributionThe All Indian Cine Workers Association said 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 performances and immense contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered and cherished by generations of film lovers."Pradeep Rawat's career spanning over four decadesPradeep Rawat earned recognition for his memorable performances in films like ‘Ghajini’, ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Sarfarosh’, as well as for portraying Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra’s iconic television series ‘Mahabharat’. Born on January 21, 1952, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, he had a career spanning over four decades, working in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and several other film industries. He is survived by his wife, Kalyani Rawat, and son, Vikramaditya.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!