Aamir Khan Mourns Pradeep Rawat, Says ‘Ghajini’ Would Not Have Worked Without Him

Actor Aamir Khan has expressed grief over the death of veteran actor Pradeep Rawat, remembering his former co-star as a committed and fearless performer whose presence added strength to some of his most memorable films. Rawat, 74, died on August 4 after battling blood cancer. His death prompted tributes from across the Indian film industry, with colleagues and admirers recalling his long career and powerful performances in Hindi and South Indian cinema.

Khan, who worked with Rawat in films including Lagaan and Ghajini, paid an emotional tribute to the actor. Remembering their professional association, Khan said Rawat brought discipline, sincerity and intensity to his performances.

Rawat became particularly well known for playing the antagonist Ghajini Dharmatma in the 2008 Hindi remake of Ghajini, which starred Khan in the lead role. The action thriller, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, went on to become one of the biggest successes of its time.

Reflecting on the film, Khan said Ghajini would not have worked in the same manner without Rawat. His portrayal of the ruthless villain provided a strong counterpoint to Khan’s character and contributed significantly to the film’s dramatic impact.

Khan also recalled Rawat’s performance as Deva Singh Sodhi in Lagaan. The 2001 period sports drama, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, featured Rawat among a large ensemble cast and earned widespread acclaim in India and abroad.

Over the years, Rawat built a reputation for portraying imposing and intense characters. His work extended beyond Hindi cinema, with notable appearances in Telugu, Tamil and other Indian-language films. Rawat’s death marks the loss of a familiar face from Indian cinema whose performances often left a lasting impression. As tributes continue to pour in, his work in films such as Lagaan and Ghajini is expected to remain an important part of his cinematic legacy.