Veteran actor Rakesh Pandey passed away on Friday, 21st March 2025, at 8:49 AM. He was 77 years old at the time of his death. It is reported that he had been admitted to the Arogynidhi Hospital in Juhu and passed away due to a heart attack, according to doctors. His last rites were performed at the Shastri Nagar crematorium, where family members and close relatives were present. Rakesh Pandey was a well-known name in the Hindi and Bhojpuri film industry.
Rakesh Pandey began his career in the Indian film industry in 1969 with his role in Basu Chatterjee’s classic film Sara Aakash. This film not only established him as a promising actor but also earned him the prestigious President’s Award. Apart from his work in films, he was also an accomplished theatre actor. He received training at the Indian Film and Television Institute (FTII) in Pune and later joined the Bharatendu Academy of Dramatic Arts. He also became involved with IPTA (Indian People’s Theatre Association), where he honed his skills and developed a natural and realistic style of acting.
His deep connection to theatre greatly aided his work in films. Rakesh Pandey was last seen in the 2023 film Sudarshan Chakra. He also appeared in Bollywood films such as Indian, Beta Ho To Aisa, Champion, Amar Prem, Himalaya Se Uncha, Devdas (2002), Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Lakshya (2004), and Black (2005).
In addition to films, Rakesh Pandey was also a familiar face on television. He appeared in popular TV shows like Chhoti Bahu, Dehliz, Piya Bina, Devi, Pyar Ke Do Naam – Ek Radha Ek Shyam, and the acclaimed historical series Bharat Ek Khoj (1988).
After a break from acting for over two decades, he made a powerful comeback in 2017 with the film Firangi under the direction of Kapil Sharma, proving his enduring love for the craft. In recent years, he also played significant roles in projects such as Hurdang (2022) and the web series The Lawyers Show.