Salman Khan mourns Pradeep Rawat: 'Shared many good moments with you'
Synopsis
Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, best known as Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra's 'Mahabharat' and the antagonist in 'Ghajini', passed away at 74 on 4 August after a cancer relapse. Salman Khan, Surendra Pal Singh, and Riteish Deshmukh led a wave of tributes — underscoring how deeply Rawat's character work had imprinted itself on Indian film and television memory.
Key Takeaways
Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat passed away on 4 August at the age of 74 , reportedly due to a relapse of cancer.
Salman Khan shared a still from their 1990 film 'Baaghi: A Rebel for Love' on Instagram, writing: 'Shared many good moments with you brother...
May you rest in peace.' Rawat was celebrated for his portrayal of Ashwatthama in B.R.
Chopra's 'Mahabharat' (1988) and his villainous role in 'Ghajini' (2008).
Surendra Pal Singh , his 'Mahabharat' co-star who played Guru Dronacharya , posted an emotional tribute calling him an unforgettable legend.
Riteish Deshmukh remembered Rawat as 'a true gentleman with a giant laughter.'
Bollywood star Salman Khan paid an emotional tribute to his late friend and veteran actor Pradeep Rawat on Wednesday, 5 August, sharing a still from their 1990 film together on his Instagram Stories alongside a heartfelt note. The tribute came a day after Rawat passed away at the age of 74, reportedly following a relapse of cancer.
Salman's Tribute
In his Instagram Stories post, Salman shared a frame from 'Baaghi: A Rebel for Love' — the 1990 film in which the two actors shared screen space. His accompanying note read: 'Shared many good moments with you brother... May you rest in peace.' In the film, Rawat essayed the character of Buddha, while Salman portrayed the protagonist Saajan Sood.
Pradeep Rawat's Passing
Pradeep Rawat passed away on Tuesday, 4 August, at the age of 74. The veteran actor had reportedly been battling cancer, which had relapsed. Rawat built a distinguished career across both film and television, becoming particularly iconic for his portrayal of Ashwatthama in the legendary B.R. Chopra television series 'Mahabharat' (1988), as well as the menacing Lakshman in 'Ghajini' (2008).
Co-Stars Pay Their Respects
Veteran actor Surendra Pal Singh, who played Guru Dronacharya — father of Ashwatthama — in 'Mahabharat', uploaded a video clip from the iconic series and wrote: 'Gone too soon, but never forgotten. Working alongside Pradeep Rawat ji in Mahabharat is a memory I will always cherish. His dedication, strength, and powerful presence as Ashwatthama left an unforgettable mark on every heart that watched him. Some journeys end, but true legends live forever through their work and the memories they leave behind. Rest in peace, my friend. Om Shanti.'
Actor Riteish Deshmukh also remembered Rawat, writing: 'I had the privilege of working with Pradeep Rawat ji… a true gentleman with a giant laughter. The room filled with laughter whenever he was around. My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. May his soul rest in eternal peace.'
A Career That Spanned Decades
Rawat's screen presence spanned more than three decades, with memorable roles across Hindi cinema and television. His portrayal of Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra's 'Mahabharat' remains one of Indian television's most celebrated character performances. In film, his villainous turn in 'Ghajini' opposite Aamir Khan introduced him to a new generation of audiences. His passing marks the loss of one of Bollywood and Indian television's most distinctive character actors.
Point of View
Surendra Pal Singh, and Riteish Deshmukh reflects an industry acknowledging that debt, even if belatedly. What mainstream coverage often misses is that Rawat's career also represents the thin line character actors walk — celebrated in retrospect, rarely compensated or recognised in proportion during their working years.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Pradeep Rawat die?
Pradeep Rawat passed away on 4 August at the age of 74, reportedly after a relapse of cancer. The veteran actor had been battling the illness in the period leading up to his death.
Which films and shows was Pradeep Rawat known for?
Pradeep Rawat was best known for playing Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra's iconic 1988 television series 'Mahabharat' and the antagonist Lakshman in Aamir Khan's 2008 blockbuster 'Ghajini'. He also appeared alongside Salman Khan in the 1990 film 'Baaghi: A Rebel for Love'.
What did Salman Khan post about Pradeep Rawat?
Salman Khan shared a still from their 1990 film 'Baaghi: A Rebel for Love' on his Instagram Stories, writing: 'Shared many good moments with you brother... May you rest in peace.' The two had worked together on the film, with Rawat playing Buddha and Salman playing Saajan Sood.
Who else paid tribute to Pradeep Rawat?
Veteran actor Surendra Pal Singh, who played Guru Dronacharya alongside Rawat's Ashwatthama in 'Mahabharat', posted a video tribute calling him an unforgettable legend. Actor Riteish Deshmukh also remembered Rawat as 'a true gentleman with a giant laughter' and extended condolences to the family.
How old was Pradeep Rawat when he died?
Pradeep Rawat was 74 years old at the time of his death on 4 August.
