Mahabharat's Ashwatthama actor Pradeep Rawat passes away at 74; delivered memorable performances in Ghajini and Lagaan

Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, best known for playing Ashwatthama in BR Chopra's iconic television series Mahabharat and memorable roles in Ghajini and Lagaan, has died at the age of 74 after a battle with cancer. His manager, Siddharth Tiwari, confirmed the news, saying the actor passed away on Tuesday evening after suffering a cancer relapse.

According to Tiwari, Rawat had successfully recovered from cancer around four years ago. However, the disease returned about one-and-a-half months ago, leading to his hospitalization. He said the actor's platelet count suddenly dropped, and despite medical treatment, he could not recover.

Rawat's funeral will be held on Wednesday evening in Mumbai. His mortal remains will be kept at his residence in Goregaon before the last rites. He is survived by his wife, Kalyani Rawat, and their 18-year-old son, Vikramaditya.


Actor Yashpal Sharma paid tribute to his former co-star on social media, writing, "Pradeep Rawat, our Ghajini, Deva of Lagaan, RIP." Fans also mourned his death, with many remembering him as both Ashwatthama from Mahabharat and the fearsome villain from Ghajini.

Rawat first gained nationwide recognition in 1988 after portraying Ashwatthama in BR Chopra's Mahabharat, one of Indian television's most celebrated mythological serials. The role remains one of the most memorable performances of his career.

He later became one of Indian cinema's most recognizable screen villains. His portrayal of Ghajini Dharmatma, the ruthless crime lord in the Tamil blockbuster Ghajini and its 2008 Hindi remake, earned widespread acclaim and cemented his reputation as a powerful antagonist.

Beyond villainous roles, Rawat showcased his versatility in Ashutosh Gowariker's Oscar-nominated film Lagaan (2001), where he played Deva, a brave Sikh sepoy whose performance was praised by audiences and critics alike.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Rawat worked extensively across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam cinema. He made his acting debut in the 1985 film Aitbaar before appearing in movies such as Meri Jung, Samundar, Kaash and Insaaf.

His Telugu film career began in 2004 with Sye and continued with successful films including Bhadra and Jagapathi. His final Telugu release was Gayapadha Simham in 2026. In Hindi cinema, his last appearance came in Chhaava, in which he portrayed Yesaji Kanak alongside Vicky Kaushal.

Remembered for his commanding screen presence and powerful performances, Pradeep Rawat leaves behind a legacy as one of Indian cinema's most iconic character actors and villains.