On Monday, actor Gufi Paintal, best known for portraying Shakuni Mama in BR Chopra’s 1980 television series Mahabharat, passed away in Mumbai due to age-related health issues. He was 79.
In a statement, the actor’s family said, “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our father, Mr. Gufi Paintal (Shakuni Mama). This morning he went away peacefully surrounded by his family.”
Hiten Paintal, the nephew of Gufi, told indianexpress.com, “He passed away today around 9 a.m. He suffered a cardiac attack. He was 79 years of age.
Long-suffering from illness, Gufi Paintal was admitted to the hospital on May 31 after his condition deteriorated.
Gufi Paintal Passes away at 79
In addition to being an actor, Gufi directed several television programs and the film Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He also served as an assistant director, casting director, and production designer for BR Films.
The actor was the sibling of the well-known comedian Paintal, who appeared in films such as Satte Pe Satta, Rafoo Chakkar, and Parichay, among others.
The films Dillagi (1978), Des Pardes (1978), Daava (1997), and Samrat & Co (2014) are among Gufi’s acting credits.
He portrayed Akshay Kumar’s maternal relative in the 1994 Indian film Suhaag. Besides Mahabharat, he also starred in TV programs like Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap, Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein, Karmaphal Daata Shani and Karn Sangini.
Gufi Paintal was most recently seen on the television program Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki.
