Ghajini and Lagaan Actor Pradeep Rawat Passes Away at 74; Mourned by Nepali Cinema

KATHMANDU — Pradeep Rawat, the veteran actor widely celebrated for his powerful villainous roles in Bollywood and South Indian cinema, passed away on Tuesday evening while undergoing treatment for cancer. He was 74.

The actor breathed his last around 6:00 PM. He had initially been admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai before being moved to a specialized cancer hospital in Bhiwandi ten days ago. He is survived by his wife and his son, Vikramaditya.

While Rawat built an extensive career across major Indian film industries, he recently left a notable imprint on the Nepali film industry, endearing himself to local moviegoers. He expanded his horizons into Nepali cinema by playing a pivotal role in the high-profile film Hrashwo Deergha. Furthermore, he had recently collaborated with well-known Nepali actress Vipana Thapa for the upcoming movies Aa Bata Aama and Aa Bata Aama-2, directed by Chandra Pant.

Upon hearing the news of his demise, his Nepali co-stars, including actress Vipana Thapa, expressed deep sorrow on social media, mourning the loss of a stellar actor who bridged the creative industries of both neighboring nations.

Spanning over three decades, Rawat’s career was marked by unforgettable performances. He initially entered the spotlight as Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra’s iconic mythological television series Mahabharat. He later went on to star in landmark Bollywood movies, portraying Sultan in Sarfarosh and the fierce Deva Singh Sodhi in Aamir Khan’s Oscar-nominated blockbuster Lagaan.

However, his most defining modern role came as the ruthless, titular antagonist in the Tamil blockbuster Ghajini. His performance was so universally acclaimed that he was brought back to reprise the exact same villainous role opposite Aamir Khan in the record-breaking 2008 Hindi remake.

Artists, filmmakers, and fans from both India and Nepal continue to flood social media with heartfelt tributes, honoring the towering legacy of a multi-lingual actor who seamlessly commanded screens across borders.