Veteran actor Rakesh Pandey, known for his contributions to both Hindi and Bhojpuri cinema, passed away on Friday morning (March 21). He was 77. According to media reports, the senior actor breathed his last at 8:50 am at Arogyanidhi Hospital in Juhu, Mumbai, where he had been receiving treatment in the ICU.
Reports have stated that the cause of his death was cardiac arrest.
His last rites were performed at Shastri Nagar crematorium, with family and close acquaintances in attendance. He is survived by his wife, daughter Jasmeet, and a granddaughter.
Rakesh Pandey's journey in the entertainment industry began with a debut in Basu Chatterjee's Sara Akash (1969), a film that not only established him as a promising talent but also earned him the prestigious President’s Award.
Before making his mark in films, he was involved in theater, having trained at the Indian Film and Television Institute (FTII) Pune and later at the Bhartendu Academy of Dramatic Arts.
In his early years, Pandey was also associated with IPTA (Indian People’s Theatre Association), where he honed his craft and developed a naturalistic approach to acting.
Pandey was last seen in the film The Rise of Sudarshan Chakra which released in 2023. He has been a part of other Bollywood films like Indian, Dil Chahta Hai, Beta Ho To Aisa, Champion, Beta Ho Toh Aisa, Amar Prem, Himalay Se Ooncha, and many more.
Some of his popular television shows include Chotti Bahu, Piya Binaa, Devi, Pyaar Ke Do Naam: Ek Raadha, Ek Shyaam, and more.
Pandey left an impact on Bhojpuri cinema with films like Balam Pardesiya (1979), which received widespread appreciation. He also starred in Bhaiya Dooj, showcasing his versatility across different languages and film industries.
