Actor Gufi Paintal, best known for playing the role of Shakuni Mama in BR Chopra’s TV show Mahabharat (1980), passed away in Mumbai on Monday due to age related health issues. He was 79.
The actor’s family said in a statement, “With profound grief we announce the sad demise of our father Mr Gufi Paintal (Shakuni Mama). He passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by family.”
Gufi’s nephew Hiten Paintal told the media, “He passed away today around 9 am. He had a heart failure. He was 79 years old.”
Gufi Paintal had been unwell for a long time and was admitted to the hospital on May 31 after his health condition worsened.
Besides being an actor, Gufi also directed a few TV shows and a movie titled Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. With BR Films, he also worked as an associate director, casting director and production designer.
The actor was the brother of popular comedian Paintal, who starred in films like Satte Pe Satta, Rafoo Chakkar, Parichay and others.
Some of Gufi’s acting credits include films Dillagi (1978), Des Pardes (1978), Daava (1997), and Samrat & Co (2014). He essayed the role of Akshay Kumar’s maternal uncle in the 1994 movie Suhaag. Besides Mahabharat, he also starred in TV shows like Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap, Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein, Karmaphal Daata Shani and Karn Sangini.
Gufi Paintal was last seen in the TV show Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki.
