Mumbai, Aug 5: Actors Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Pawan Kalyan and filmmaker Prabhudheva on Wednesday paid tribute to veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, who died at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer.
Rawat, known for his roles in films such as “Sarfarosh”, “Lagaan” and “Ghajini”, breathed his last at a hospital here on Tuesday.
Salman, who starred with Rawat in the 1990 romantic drama “Baaghi”, shared a still from the film on Instagram Stories and wrote, “Shared many good moments with you brother.. May you rest in peace.”
Aamir Khan, who faced off against Rawat in A R Murugadoss’ 2008 blockbuster “Ghajini”, recalled the actor’s commitment to his craft.
“He was extremely dedicated and fearless as an actor. Pradeepji played the title role in ‘Ghajini.’ I think this was one of the most striking screen villains in our cinema. The film wouldn’t have worked without him,” Aamir told Variety India.
Filmmaker and choreographer Prabhudheva also condoled Rawat’s death.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Pradeep Rawat sir. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace,” he posted on X.
Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said Rawat impressed audiences across multiple languages with his performances.
“The demise of the renowned actor Shri Pradeep Rawat is heartbreaking. I pray to God that his soul attains peace. Pradeep Rawat, who acted in Hindi as well as Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada languages, impressed audiences with his portrayal of the antagonist and various diverse roles,” he wrote on X in Telugu.
“In the films ‘Sardar Gabbar Singh’ and ‘Katamarayudu’, in which I acted, he played key roles. I extend my deepest condolences to the family members of Pradeep Rawat,” Kalyan said.
Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Rawat began his acting career in the 1980s and rose to prominence with his portrayal of Ashwatthama in B R Chopra’s television epic “Mahabharat”.
Over the next four decades, he established himself as one of Indian cinema’s most dependable character actors and villains.
He played pivotal roles in “Sarfarosh” and the Oscar-nominated “Lagaan”, essayed the antagonist Ghajini Dharmatma in the Tamil film “Ghajini” before reprising the role in its Hindi remake.
His screen credits also included “The Hero: Love Story of a Spy”, “Grand Masti”, “Singh Is Bliing” and “Chhaava”.
Rawat’s last rites were performed on Wednesday in the presence of his family and friends from the film industry. (PTI)
