Veteran Actress Praveena Deshpande Dies After Cancer Battle, Cremated in Mumbai
Digital Desk
Veteran television and film actress Praveena Deshpande passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged battle with cancer, her family confirmed through a statement on Instagram. Her last rites were performed the same afternoon at a crematorium in Andheri.
Family sources said the actress had been diagnosed in 2019 with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. She underwent a bone marrow transplant and spent 17 days in isolation during treatment. Despite serious health challenges, she remained professionally active and continued acting until her final months.
Deshpande built a long career across television and cinema, appearing in well-known serials such as Kumkum, Kulfi Kumar Bajewala, and Pyaar Ka Bandhan. On the big screen, she was noted for her role as Shalini Chowdhary in the Ready starring Salman Khan, and also appeared in films including Ek Villain, Gabbar Is Back, and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran. She was recently seen in a cameo role in a web series featuring Emraan Hashmi.
The CINTAA (Cine & Television Artists Association) expressed condolences, remembering her as a committed performer who had been a member since 2008. Colleagues from the industry also paid tribute, recalling her dedication and calm professionalism even while undergoing chemotherapy.
Actor Palash Dutta, who worked with her in the short film Thanks Mom, said she completed the shoot despite physical discomfort, calling her a deeply sensitive person and a disciplined artist.
Deshpande’s career spanned diverse roles on both television and film, earning her respect as a reliable and versatile performer. Industry members said her passing marks the loss of an experienced artist whose commitment and positive outlook left a lasting impression on colleagues and audiences alike.
