‘Ghajini’ famed actor Pradeep Rawat passes away at 74

Noted actor Pradeep Rawat, best known for his memorable performances in films such as "Lagaan" and "Ghajini", has died at the age of 74 after battling cancer.

The news of his passing was shared by actor Yashpal Sharma, who paid an emotional tribute to his longtime colleague in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

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According to Hindustan Times, Rawat's manager, Siddharth Tiwari, confirmed that the actor's cancer had relapsed. "He was suffering from cancer, and it had relapsed. He has died a few hours back," Tiwari told the publication.

Rawat is survived by his wife and son, Vikramaditya. Hindustan Times also reported that he had been hospitalised for more than a month before his death.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Rawat worked across multiple film industries, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Nepali cinema. He first rose to prominence on television with his portrayal of Ashwatthama in BR Chopra's iconic series "Mahabharat" before transitioning to films, where he established himself as one of Indian cinema's most recognisable character actors.

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Rawat was particularly celebrated for his powerful portrayals of villains, earning a reputation as one of the industry's most dependable performers in negative roles. Alongside his acclaimed performances in "Lagaan" and "Ghajini", his extensive filmography included notable films such as "Sye", "Rowdy Rathore" and several Telugu blockbusters.