Close X
Monday, March 18, 2024
ADVT 
Bollywood

Gufi Paintal best known for playing 'Shakuni Mama' in television serial 'Mahabharat' passes away

Darpan News Desk IANS, 05 Jun, 2023 12:55 PM
  • Gufi Paintal best known for playing 'Shakuni Mama' in television serial 'Mahabharat' passes away

Veteran actor Raza Murad, who has been friends with late actor Gufi Paintal, fondly remembered his life and on-screen presence.

Known for playing Shakuni Mama in the epic television serial 'Mahabharat', Gufi Paintal passed away due to prolonged illness in Mumbai on Monday.

His body has been moved from the hospital to his home, where Raza Muard was among the first to reach and be around to help the family.

Talking to the media about his friend, Raza Murad said: "I was friends with him for 50 years. Filmmaker Rahul Ravail made the movie 'Gunhegaar'. I was the actor in the film and Gufi was assistant director. In those days he was remembered for being Paintal Saab's brother." He was referring to Kanwaljeet Paintal, the popular comedian and better known of the two brothers.

Remembering his friend, Raza Murad said: "There was another movie, 'Laila Majnu', where he was handling the production. For years, he was a struggling actor and artiste, but he was hardworking and he wasn't getting a clear direction.

"He had always wanted to be an actor, so he started working for BR Films [helmed by B.R. Chopra], where he became an assistant director, and then landed the role of Shakuni Mama. It was not merely a character, it was history.

Raza Murad added: "'Mahabharat' was a milestone in the history of Indian television. The streets would be empty when the serial used to be aired. His character of Shakuni mama is a memorable and iconic role. It was written in golden words.

"I remember watching the play 'Mahabharat' recently in Delhi. When Gufi entered, the entire crowd went crazy. It felt like some rock star had entered an arena. People still remember his character, but fate had something in mind.

"People do 100-200 films and still can't create an identity for themselves. Gufi did it with just one character. He didn't just create an identity for himself with his nuances. He is not among us anymore, he left us today, but his character will live forever."

Gufi Paintal was hospitalised for more than a week due to age-related heart and kidney issues. He was in a critical condition at Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Andheri, Mumbai. His condition didn't stabilise and he passed away on June 5.

Gufi Paintal's talent was not just limited to acting; he also worked as a television director. Apart from 'Mahabharat', which aired in the late 1980s, he acted in popular Bollywood films such as 'Rafoo Chakkar', 'Des Pardes', 'Dillagi', 'Maidan-E-Jung' and 'Daava', among others.

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

Akshay Kumar greeted with loud cheers in Delhi's Jama Masjid area

Akshay Kumar greeted with loud cheers in Delhi's Jama Masjid area
He was greeted with loud cheers and whistles as a sea of fans were seen at the location to get a glimpse of the actor. As he was seen coming out of an old building, Akshay waved at his fans and also did the namaste gesture while walking towards his car. He was surrounded by security to took him to his car. 

Akshay Kumar greeted with loud cheers in Delhi's Jama Masjid area

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma in London to attend Man City vs Man U FA Cup Final

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma in London to attend Man City vs Man U FA Cup Final
Manchester City and Manchester United will lock horns in the Final on June 3 at the fabled Wembley stadium. On the work front, Anushka will be seen in the upcoming Netflix film 'Chakda Xpress'.

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma in London to attend Man City vs Man U FA Cup Final

Vicky Kaushal, Sara Ali Khan go jhumka shopping in Delhi's Janpath market

Vicky Kaushal, Sara Ali Khan go jhumka shopping in Delhi's Janpath market
The film, scheduled for a June 2 release, also features Rakesh Bedi, Anubha Fatehpuria, Neeraj Sood, Sharib Hashmi and Inaamul Haq in lead roles. Helmed by Laxman Utekar, the film revolves around a middle-class couple struggling in their marriage.

Vicky Kaushal, Sara Ali Khan go jhumka shopping in Delhi's Janpath market

Kareena draws flak on social media for ignoring fan asking for a selfie at airport

Kareena draws flak on social media for ignoring fan asking for a selfie at airport
Kareena is seen ignoring the fan's request as she keeps walking forward. This did not go down well with many users as they wrote about her behaviour in the comment section.

Kareena draws flak on social media for ignoring fan asking for a selfie at airport

Priyanka Chopra Jonas-starrer 'Citadel' renewed for second season

Priyanka Chopra Jonas-starrer 'Citadel' renewed for second season
The global spy streaming series 'Citadel', which stars Richard Madden, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Lesley Manville and Stanley Tucci, has been renewed for a second season with Joe Russo set to direct every episode and executive producer David Weil returning as showrunner. 

Priyanka Chopra Jonas-starrer 'Citadel' renewed for second season

Shahid Kapoor to lead action thriller helmed by Malayalam director Rosshan Andrrews

Shahid Kapoor to lead action thriller helmed by Malayalam director Rosshan Andrrews
The plot follows a brilliant yet rebellious police officer investigating a high-profile case. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal, leading him down a thrilling and dangerous path.

Shahid Kapoor to lead action thriller helmed by Malayalam director Rosshan Andrrews

PrevNext