Mumbai, August 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, celebrated for his memorable performances in films such as Lagaan and Ghajini and for portraying Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra’s landmark television series Mahabharat, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 74.
He is survived by his wife and son, Vikramaditya.
The news of his demise was shared by longtime colleague and fellow actor Yashpal Sharma, who paid tribute on social media. Remembering his Lagaan co-star, Sharma wrote, “Pradeep Rawat Our Gajini Deva of Lagaan RIP.”
According to media reports, Rawat had been battling cancer and had been undergoing treatment in hospital before his death. However, no official statement regarding the cause of death was immediately available.
Rawat enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades and worked across multiple film industries, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam cinema.
He made his Hindi film debut in Meri Jung (1985), portraying a police inspector, but rose to nationwide recognition through his role as Ashwatthama, son of Guru Dronacharya, in B.R. Chopra’s iconic television epic Mahabharat.
His early film appearances included Samundar (1986), where he played a naval officer, and Agneepath (1990), in which he appeared alongside Amitabh Bachchan.
Rawat further strengthened his reputation with roles in Sarfarosh (1999), where he played Sultan, a key henchman, and Lagaan (2001), portraying Deva Singh Sodhi, one of the villagers who joins Bhuvan’s cricket team in its challenge against British officers.
Over the years, he featured in several acclaimed films across languages, including The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, Ghajini, Stalin, Veeram, 1: Nenokkadine, Loukyam, Nenu Sailaja, Sarrainodu, Nene Raju Nene Mantri, Aayirathil Iruvar, Market Raja MBBS and Miss Match, earning recognition for his powerful screen presence and versatile performances.
FOLLOW NOW
