Actor Gufi Paintal Of 'Mahabharat' Fame Passes Away At 79

Actor Gufi Paintal, best known for playing 'Shakuni mama' in the epic TV serial 'Mahabharat', passed away on Monday at a hospital in Mumbai due to age-related issues. He was aged 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," his nephew Hiten confirmed the news of the actor's death to PTI.

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.

Gufi Paintal worked in both TV shows and films. His notable work on small screen includes 'Bahadur Shah Zafar', 'Mahabharat', 'Kanoon', 'Om Namah Shivay', 'CID', 'Ssshhhh...Koi Hai', 'Dwarkadheesh Bhagwaan Shree Krishn', and 'RadhaKrishn'.

He started off his career with the 1975 film 'Rafoo Chakkar'. He then appeared in films such as 'Dillagi', 'Desh Pardesh', and 'Suhaag'. However, it was manipulative uncle act as Shakuni mama from BR Chopra's "Mahabharat" that made him a household name.

He was last seen in the TV show 'Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki'.