A Star Extinguished: Film Industry in Mourning After This Actor's Passing

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A sad news has come from the film world. Veteran actor Rakesh Pandey, who made a special place in the hearts of the audience with his strong acting in Bollywood, television and Bhojpuri cinema, has passed away. He was 77 years old. The senior actor breathed his last at 8:50 am on Saturday at Arogya Nidhi Hospital in Juhu, Mumbai. He was ill for some time and was undergoing treatment in the ICU of the hospital. The news of his demise has sent a wave of grief across the film industry and his fans and colleagues are paying emotional tributes to him on social media.

It is being told that Rakesh Pandey died due to cardiac arrest. His last rites were performed today at Shastri Nagar crematorium, which was attended by his family members and close relatives. He is survived by his wife, daughter Jasmeet and a granddaughter. Rakesh Pandey started his career with Basu Chatterjee's 1969 film 'Saara Akash', for which he also received the prestigious President's Award. Before coming into films, he also proved his talent in theater. He learned the nuances of acting from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune and later from the Bharatendu Academy of Dramatic Arts. In his early days, he was also associated with the Indian People's Theater Association (IPTA).

Rakesh Pandey was last seen in the film 'The Rise of Sudarshan Chakra' released in 2023. He also played important roles in many popular films like 'Indian', 'Dil Chahta Hai', 'Beta Ho To Aisa', 'Champion', 'Amar Prem' and 'Himalay Se Ooncha'. Rakesh Pandey also made his mark on television. Some of his prominent TV shows include 'Chhoti Bahu', 'Piya Bina', 'Devi' and 'Pyaar Ke Do Naam: Ek Radha-Ek Shyam'. Apart from this, he also showed his acting skills in Bhojpuri cinema, his 1979 film 'Balam Pardesiya' gained a lot of popularity. Rakesh Pandey may not be among us today, but he will always live in the hearts of his fans for his brilliant acting talent and memorable characters