Mumbai: Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, celebrated for portraying some of Indian cinema's most memorable villains, will be laid to rest on Wednesday, August 5, following his death at the age of 74. The actor, who was widely known for his performances in Ghajini, Lagaan, and the iconic television series Mahabharat, passed away on Tuesday evening after a prolonged battle with blood cancer. His final rites are expected to take place in the presence of family members, close friends, and colleagues from the film industry.

Rawat is survived by his wife Kalyani Rawat and son Vikramaditya Rawat. The details of his funeral were confirmed by actor Yashpal Sharma, who shared screen space with him in the Oscar-nominated film Lagaan. Sharma took to social media to inform fans and members of the film fraternity that the actor's final darshan and funeral would be held on Wednesday. His post also served as a heartfelt tribute to a colleague and friend whose performances left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.

The news of Rawat's passing was confirmed by his manager, Siddharth Tiwari, who revealed that the actor had been fighting blood cancer for nearly five years. According to him, Rawat had successfully battled the disease once before, but the illness returned about six weeks ago. Since then, he had been undergoing treatment and was admitted to a hospital in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. His condition deteriorated after his platelet count dropped significantly, and despite medical efforts, he could not recover. He passed away on August 4 between 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm.

The news triggered an outpouring of grief across the entertainment industry. Yashpal Sharma remembered his Lagaan co-star with an emotional message, referring to him by his iconic characters from Ghajini and Lagaan. Several actors, filmmakers, and fans also took to social media to pay tribute, recalling Rawat's powerful screen presence and his ability to leave a lasting impression even in supporting roles.

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also expressed condolences, describing Rawat as one of Bollywood's finest character actors. In its tribute, the association highlighted his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema, particularly his memorable portrayals of negative characters that became an integral part of several successful films. The organisation stated that his performances would continue to inspire generations of actors and remain cherished by cinema lovers.

Born on January 21, 1952, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Pradeep Rawat built an acting career that spanned more than four decades. He worked extensively not only in Hindi cinema but also in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Bhojpuri films, earning recognition across multiple film industries. His versatility allowed him to seamlessly portray villains, supporting characters, and strong personality-driven roles throughout his career.

Many television viewers first recognised Rawat as Ashwatthama in B.R. Chopra's Mahabharat (1988), a role that remains one of the most memorable portrayals in the legendary mythological series. The performance established him as a familiar face in Indian households long before he became one of Bollywood's most dependable character actors.

His film career reached new heights with memorable performances in several blockbuster films. In Sarfarosh (1999), he portrayed Sultan, while in Lagaan (2001), he played the fierce fast bowler Deva Singh Sodhi, a performance that earned widespread appreciation. Rawat later became synonymous with the ruthless villain Ghajini Dharmatma, first playing the role in the 2005 Tamil original before reprising it in the 2008 Hindi remake starring Aamir Khan. The character remains one of the most iconic antagonists in modern Indian cinema.

Beyond these celebrated performances, Rawat appeared in numerous successful films across languages, earning respect for his commanding voice, intimidating screen presence, and ability to portray intense characters with conviction. His contribution to Indian cinema extended well beyond commercial success, as he consistently delivered memorable performances that elevated every project he was part of.

Suman Kalyanpur, the mellifluous playback singer whose voice became a staple of Hindi film music in the 1960s and 1970s, died on Sunday evening at her Mumbai residence. She was 89. Local reports and a close family friend said she passed away around 8 pm due to age-related complications.

Last rites scheduled Monday

According to Mangala Khadikar, a longtime friend, Kalyanpur had been listening to her recordings in the days before her death and “passed away very peacefully.” Family sources said her daughter, Charu, is surviving her. Funeral rites were scheduled for Monday morning between 11:30 am and 12 pm at the Pawan Hans crematorium in suburban Mumbai.

A distinct voice in a crowded field

Kalyanpur rose to prominence in an era dominated by a small number of lead playback singers. Despite frequent comparisons with Lata Mangeshkar, she carved a distinct niche through a string of popular songs and steady film work. Classics such as “Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche,” “Na Na Karte Pyar Tumhi Se” and “Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye” remain part of radio and streaming playlists, industry historians and music curators said.

She received wide recognition in later years, including the Padma Bhushan in 2023, conferred by the Government of India for her contribution to arts and music.

Career arc and language range

Kalyanpur’s career was notable not only for its output in Hindi films but also for songs in several regional languages. She recorded numbers in Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Odia and Kannada, reflecting the pan-Indian reach of playback singing in mid-20th-century cinema. Musicologists note that her ability to adapt to different linguistic idioms helped sustain her career beyond film cycles and changing musical fashions.

Industry recalls and past anecdotes

Sources close to the music industry recalled that Kalyanpur’s voice was often mistaken for Mangeshkar’s in the 1950s and 1960s, a comparison that followed her throughout her career. In interviews she consistently resisted being labelled a “sound-alike,” underlining instead a friendly personal relationship with Mangeshkar. In a 2022 interview she described their meetings as those between close friends rather than rivals.

Kalyanpur also figured in several well-known industry stories. When a dispute between Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi left a gap in near-term female playback options, producers and music directors turned to Kalyanpur, who delivered a succession of hits with Rafi. Another anecdote often repeated in radio and print profiles involved veteran broadcaster Ameen Sayani, who reportedly waited 45 years before getting a one-hour interview with her in 2005—on the singer’s terms of no photographs and the right to skip uncomfortable questions.

Early life and musical training

Born and raised in a family supportive of the arts, Kalyanpur displayed an early interest in painting and music. She completed a degree in arts while training in classical music, first under her father’s encouragement and later with teachers including Pandit Keshav Rao Bhole and other noted masters. Her grounding in classical technique lent a purity and precision to her playback work, listeners and critics have said.

Public reaction and legacy

Tributes from fellow musicians, film personalities and fans began to appear on social media within hours of the news, with many highlighting both her body of work and the understated, private life she maintained after stepping back from regular playback work. Music streaming platforms have seen renewed interest in her songs, according to industry trackers, underlining the continuing appeal of melodies from her peak decades.

What comes next

Funeral arrangements and condolence calls are expected through Monday afternoon as colleagues and admirers pay respects. Biographers and music historians have already signalled plans to reassess Kalyanpur’s contributions to Indian film music in the context of mid-century recording practices and the role of female vocalists in shaping popular soundscapes.

Her death closes a chapter on a generation of singers who bridged classical training and commercial film music, leaving behind a catalogue that continues to be heard across radio, cinema retrospectives and streaming playlists.

Dhaka Pays Last Tribute to Khaleda Zia

Bangladesh today witnessed an emotional farewell to its first woman Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief, Begum Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. Her mortal remains were laid to rest beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at the National Parliament Complex in Dhaka’s Manik Mia Avenue.

The day began with thousands of supporters, party loyalists, and political dignitaries gathering in the capital to pay their final respects. Amid tight security arrangements, the national flag flew at half-mast on all government buildings as the nation observed the first of three days of state mourning.

Jaishankar Represents India at State Funeral

Representing India, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning to attend the funeral. He handed over a condolence message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Khaleda Zia’s son and BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, expressing India’s solidarity with the people of Bangladesh in their time of loss.

While addressing Bangladeshi media, Jaishankar said, “Khaleda Zia’s leadership, courage, and her contribution to Bangladesh’s democracy will be remembered for generations. Her vision and values will continue to guide regional cooperation and development.”

Apart from India, senior officials from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bhutan also attended the state funeral, highlighting Zia’s stature as a key political figure in South Asian politics.

A Nation in Mourning

Thousands of mourners poured onto Manik Mia Avenue, turning the funeral into a moment of unity amid political divides. The funeral prayers (janaza) were led by the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, while BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan oversaw the proceedings.

Dignitaries including Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, and senior officials of the interim government were also in attendance.
Many supporters, carrying flowers and banners with her image, chanted slogans of grief and remembrance as the funeral convoy made its way from Evercare Hospital to the Parliament Complex.

Political Legacy and Contributions

Khaleda Zia served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh twice—from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006—leaving behind a significant legacy in governance and economic reforms. She led the country’s transition to a parliamentary democracy after years of military rule and worked to strengthen the identity of Bangladesh as an independent nation.

During her tenure, she introduced major economic reforms, including trade liberalization, tax reforms, and efforts to expand women’s participation in the workforce. Despite years of political controversies and health struggles, Khaleda Zia remained a symbol of resilience in Bangladeshi politics.

Final Rest Beside Her Husband

As per family wishes, Khaleda Zia was buried beside her husband Ziaur Rahman, a national hero and founder of the BNP. Her final journey from Gulshan to Manik Mia Avenue drew an outpouring of emotions across the country.

With her passing, Bangladesh bids farewell to one of its most influential and polarizing leaders, marking the end of an era in the nation’s political history.