Archive · 5 Aug 2026
Veteran Actor Pradeep Rawat Dies at 74; Aamir Khan Mourns
Pradeep Rawat was a famous Indian movie actor who often played villains.
He passed away at the age of 74 after being sick with blood cancer for a long time.
He had been in the hospital for more than a month before he died.
Many actors were very sad and said nice things about him.
Aamir Khan, a very famous actor, said Pradeep was brave, dedicated, and fearless.
Pradeep played the scary bad guy named Ghajini in two movies, and Aamir said those movies would not have worked without him.
Pradeep also acted in other famous movies like Lagaan and in a TV show called Mahabharat.
He won an award for being the best villain in a Telugu movie called Sye.
He is survived by his wife and his son.
His funeral was held in the city of Mumbai.
Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat died on August 4, 2026, at the age of 74 after a relapse of blood cancer.
Aamir Khan paid tribute, saying Ghajini "wouldn't have worked without him" and calling him a dedicated, fearless actor.
Rawat played the iconic villain Ghajini in the 2005 Tamil film and the 2008 Hindi remake opposite Aamir Khan.
He was also known for Deva Singh Sodhi in Lagaan, Ashwatthama in Mahabharat, and won the Filmfare Best Villain Award (Telugu) for Sye.
Salman Khan and Vishnu Manchu were among those who mourned him; his funeral took place in Mumbai on August 5, 2026.
- Who
- Pradeep Rawat, veteran Indian actor known for villain roles; mourned by Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Vishnu Manchu and fans
- What
- Died at age 74 after battling blood cancer, prompting tributes from the film industry
- When
- August 4, 2026; his funeral was held the following day, August 5
- Where
- He died at a hospital in Bhiwandi after being treated at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai; his funeral was held in Mumbai
- Why
- He died due to a recent relapse of blood cancer following more than a month of hospitalisation
- Name
- Pradeep Rawat
- Age at death
- 74
- Date of death
- August 4, 2026
- Cause of death
- Blood cancer; recent relapse
- Signature role
- Ghajini (2005 Tamil film; 2008 Hindi remake)
- Other notable roles
- Deva Singh Sodhi in Lagaan; Ashwatthama in Mahabharat; Yesaji Kank in Chhaava
- Notable award
- Filmfare Best Villain Award (Telugu) for Sye
- Survivors
- Wife and son Vikramaditya
Sources
'Ghajini Wouldn't Have Worked Without Him': Aamir Khan Mourns Pradeep Rawat's Death
Aamir Khan, Salman Khan remember Pradeep Rawat: ‘Ghajini wouldn’t have worked without him’
Pradeep Rawat Death: How Veteran Actor Helped Shape Aamir Khan's Journey Through Sarfarosh, Lagaan, Ghajini
