Veteran actor Surendra Pal Singh has paid a moving tribute to his Mahabharat co-star Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat, who passed away at the age of 74. Surendra, who played Guru Dronacharya in B.R. Chopra's legendary 1988 television series, shared a video clip of their scenes together and remembered Pradeep's unforgettable portrayal of Ashwatthama.

Surendra Pal's Tribute

Sharing the clip on social media, Surendra wrote: 'Gone too soon, but never forgotten. @i_pradeeprawat 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.'

The tribute underscores the deep personal and professional bond the two actors shared on what remains one of Indian television's most celebrated productions.

Their Roles in Mahabharat

In B.R. Chopra's Mahabharat, telecast on Doordarshan from 1988 to 1990, Surendra Pal Singh portrayed Guru Dronacharya — the royal preceptor of the Kauravas and Pandavas — while Pradeep Rawat played Ashwatthama, Dronacharya's son. The on-screen father-son dynamic between the two actors drew widespread acclaim, and their performances are still recalled by audiences who grew up watching the series.

The show featured an ensemble of memorable performances, including Puneet Issar as Duryodhan, Firoz Khan as Arjun, and Mukesh Khanna as Bheeshma. Doordarshan's Mahabharat remains a cultural touchstone of Indian television, with re-runs during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 attracting record viewership decades after its original broadcast.

Pradeep Rawat's Legacy

Pradeep Rawat built a formidable screen presence well beyond the mythological genre. He is widely recognised for his menacing antagonist roles in blockbusters such as Ghajini and Lagaan, both of which cemented his reputation as one of Hindi cinema's most compelling character actors. His passing at 74 has prompted tributes from across the film and television fraternity.

Fellow Celebrities React

Actor Riteish Deshmukh was among those who shared condolences. Posting a photograph of the late actor, Deshmukh wrote: '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.'

As tributes continue to pour in, Pradeep Rawat's body of work — spanning mythological television and mainstream cinema — ensures his place in the memory of Indian audiences for years to come.