Veteran actor Gufi Paintal, popularly known as the Shakuni Mama from the TV serial ‘Mahabharat’ (1988-1990), passed away in the morning today on June 5 at the age of 79 due to age related issues.
His nephew Hiten Paintal announced the grieving news and said, “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.”
Previously before his death, when Gufi Paintal was admitted to the hospital in Mumbai, his nephew had said that his uncle was suffering from high blood pressure and heart issues. He had stated, “He had blood pressure and heart issues. He was keeping unwell and all this was going on for a while. Things got severe now and 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.”
Gufi Paintal was the older brother of Kanwarjit Paintal, who has also worked in ‘Mahabharat’ as Shikhandi. Hiten Paintal is the son of Kanwarjit Paintal.
Gufi Paintal began his career as an assistant director and then turned to modelling in 1964. Later he got the chance as an actor and made his debut in late Rishi Kapoor-starred ‘Rafoo Chakkar’ in 1975. Since then, he had worked in a number of remarkable films like ‘Dillagi’ (1978), ‘Des Pardes’ (1978), ‘Suhaag’ (1994), etc.
Not only on silver screen, but Paintal also amazed the audiences on TV screen as well with projects like ‘Kanoon’ (1988-1990), ‘Om Namah Shivay’ (1997-2001), ‘Ssshhhhh…Koi Hai’ (2002), ‘Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap’ (2013) and of course ‘Mahabharat’.
According to reports, Gufi Paintal’s last rites will be held today around 4 pm at Andheri crematorium.
