Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Gufi Paintal of 'Mahabharat' fame dies at 79

His manipulative act from BR Chopra’s Mahabharat made him a household name.

Gufi Paintal of 'Mahabharat' fame dies at 79

Actor Gufi Paintal, best known for playing 'Shakuni' in the epic TV serial Mahabharat, died on Monday at a hospital in Mumbai due to age-related issues, his nephew Hiten Paintal said.

He was 79.


The veteran actor was admitted to a hospital in suburban Andheri.

"Unfortunately, he is no more. He passed away at the hospital at around 9 am. His heart gave up. He passed away peacefully in his sleep," Hiten told PTI.

Hiten had earlier told PTI that his uncle was not keeping well due to age-related health issues.

"He had blood pressure and heart issues. He was keeping unwell and all this was going on for a while. Things got severe now so we got him to the hospital for observation. He has been in the hospital for seven to eight days. He was critical initially, but right now he is stable," Hiten had told PTI.

Paintal's acting credits also include 1980s Hindi films such as Suhaag, and Dillagi, as well as television shows CID and Hello Inspector, but his manipulative uncle act as Shakuni mama from BR Chopra's Mahabharat made him a household name.

He is survived by his son, daughter-in-law, and a grandchild.

The last rites will be held today at around 4 pm at a crematorium in suburban Andheri.

More For You

PM-Modi-President-Murmu-film-personalities-pay-tribute-to-Shyam-Benegal

Shyam Benegal

Milind Shelte

Indian president, Modi lead in paying tribute to Shyam Benegal

Filmmaker Shyam Benegal, the guiding light of Parallel Cinema movement of the 1970-80s, passed away on December 23 due to Kidney-related ailments in Mumbai. He was 90. The director celebrated his 90th birthday just nine days ago on December 14. In the hours following his death, many important personalities, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and a host of film personalities paid tributes to the pioneers of the Indian parallel cinema movement.

Filmmakers Hansal Mehta, Shekhar Kapur, and cine stars Manoj Bajpayee, Akshay Kumar, and Kajol paid homage to Benegal, calling him a master storyteller who revolutionised cinema and inspired generations with his films.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shyam-Benegal-Getty

In a career spanning nearly seven decades, Benegal’s body of work covered diverse subjects, from rural issues and feminist themes to sharp satires and historical biopics. (Photo: Getty Images)

Shyam Benegal, pioneer of Indian parallel cinema, passes away at 90

SHYAM BENEGAL, a pioneering figure in Indian cinema’s parallel movement of the 1970s and 1980s, passed away on Monday at the age of 90.

Known for classics such as Ankur, Mandi, and Manthan, the filmmaker had been battling chronic kidney disease for several years.

Keep ReadingShow less
50 Bollywood insights from 2024

Tripti Dimri

AFP via Getty Images

50 Bollywood insights from 2024

FROM fun facts to future plans and revelations, 2024 offered fascinating insights into Bollywood’s biggest stars.

These discoveries brought fans closer to their favourite celebrities. Looking back over the past year, Eastern Eye highlights 50 things we learned about Hindi cinema stars in 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less
Radio personality Ray C is ready to rock New Year’s Eve

Ray C

Radio personality Ray C is ready to rock New Year’s Eve

RAY C is widely recognised as the director of the UK-based radio station Asian Star and a regular host.

However, he is also an event organiser, with more than 30 years of experience. From melas to parties and community celebrations, he has connected with people across generations through his events. This year, his New Year’s Eve party at the Thistle Hotel Heathrow in London on December 31 will feature popular singers Sukshinder Shinda and Sarbjit Cheema, both performing with full live bands. The event will also include a sit-down meal and DJs on rotation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Person of Interest questions Prevent’s effects on Muslims

Asim Chaudhry plays Shakil

Person of Interest questions Prevent’s effects on Muslims

AN UBER driver’s desperate attempt to cope with grief and loss sparks a deeper exploration of what it means to be a British Muslim in Channel 4’s short drama, Person of Interest.

Asim Chaudhry plays Shakil (known for People Just Do Nothing, Industry, What’s Love Got to Do with It), a football loving Londoner whose fears of being surveilled intensify as he drives passengers through the night.

Keep ReadingShow less