Gufi Paintal best known for playing 'Shakuni Mama' in television serial 'Mahabharat' passes away
Darpan News Desk IANS, 05 Jun, 2023 12:55 PM
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.
Shilpa made her acting debut with Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Baazigar' in 1993. 'KD', directed by Prem of 'Kariya' fame, is yet another gangster film in Kannada. The period action film is said to be based on the events that took place in Bengaluru in the 1970s. It also stars Dhruva Sarja, V Ravichandran and Sanjay Dutt in pivotal roles.
The superstar goes in front of the camera, and flexes his biceps. The film will have its digital premiere on March 22. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in lead roles.
With India bagging two Oscars at the 95th Academy Awards, it has brought a sense of pride for every Indian. Kareena feels proud to be a member of the fraternity that's bringing accolades for the country on the international platform.
According to media reports, the incident took place when Aman was exercising in the gym. The accused held a knife and threatened others. Dhaliwal, who is currently hospitalised, has sustained injuries and scars on his torso, according to a report.
While Chitrangada in the trailer of the web series apparently looks like a caring mother who welcomes her physically challenged stepdaughter, there are many secrets she seems to be hiding from Misha about her missing father. On the other hand, Vikrant Massey is seen as the king's personal assistant.
Actress Alia Bhatt turned 30 on Wednesday and her mother-in-law, Neetu Kapoor had the sweetest birthday wish for her "bahurani". On the work front, Alia will next be seen in 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani', which also stars Ranveer Singh, Shabana Azmi and Dharmendra.
