05 August,2026 05:14 PM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-day
Aamir Khan (Pics/Yogen Shah)
Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, best known for his performance as the lead antagonist Ghajini Dharmatma in Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini, passed away on Tuesday after battling blood cancer. He was 74. His last rites took place on August 5. To pay a heartfelt tribute to him, his Lagaan co-stars arrived for the funeral. Actor Aamir Khan, who also shared screen space with him in Ghajini, arrived to pay his condolences.
Aamir Khan was also present at Pradeep Rawat's funeral to pay his final respects. Dressed in a simple orange kurta and black cap, the actor kept a low profile as he joined family members and colleagues from the film industry in bidding an emotional farewell to the late veteran actor. The actor appeared visibly sombre as he walked into the crematorium.
Apart from him, actors like Dayashankar Pandey, Akhilendra Mishra, Amin Hajee with his brother Karim Hajee, Ashoke Pandit, Raj Arjun, and several others arrived for the funeral.
Pradeep Rawat's son, Vikramaditya, broke down while attending the actor's last rites in Mumbai and recalled the heartbreaking final moments before his demise. He revealed that the actor's platelet count had dropped drastically and shared the moment he rushed to the ICU.
Speaking to Variety India, Aamir remembered his co-star and said, "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."
Recalling Pradeep Rawat's performance as Deva Singh Sodhi in Lagaan, Aamir praised the late actor for bringing a distinct charm to the role. "I don't think anyone could have played Sodhi with such swag. He was a versatile actor. It's sad to hear of his passing," he said.
A prominent face in the Indian film industry, actor Pradeep Rawat was known for his performances in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil cinema. His work in films like Sarfarosh, Lagaan, Sye (Telugu), Naayak (Telugu), and Ghajini is remembered by audiences.
The late actor's most recent work was Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava, where he portrayed the character of Yesaji Kank.
