WAVE of sorrow swept over the entertainment industry as the news of veteran actor Gufi Paintal's passing away reached the hearts of millions on Monday morning. Known for his iconic portrayal of ‘Shakuni Mama’ in the popular Mahabharat serial, Gufi Paintal took his last breath in Mumbai, at the age of 79. His departure was attributed to age-related complications, including blood pressure and heart issues.

Gufi Paintal’s indelible mark on entertainment landscape extended beyond his unforgettable role as ‘Shakuni Mama.’ While nation embraced his manipulative maternal uncle’s character in Mahabharat, few were aware of his remarkable background. Prior to his acting career, Paintal served in the Indian Army for seven years, fearlessly standing on the frontlines during two wars, including the Indo-China war in 1962 and the Indo-Pakistan war in 1965. Even amidst the chaos of battle, he found solace in his love for theater, staging performances of ‘Ramayan’ with his fellow army comrades.

The news of Gufi Paintal's demise elicited heartfelt reactions from his colleagues in the film industry. Bollywood actor and local talent Aashit Chatterjee acknowledged Paintal's multifaceted talent, not only as an actor in cinema but also as a prominent figure in television serials, both in front of and behind the camera. Brand Ambassador of Bilaspur Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Chhollywood actor Akhilesh Pandey paid tribute to Paintal's contribution to Bollywood, highlighting his involvement in notable films such as Rafu Chakkar, Desh Pardes, Dillagi, Daava, and Maidan-e-Jung. Meanwhile, Chhollywood actor Amit Chakrabarty reminisced about the cultural phenomenon of 'Mahabharat,' emphasizing Gufi Paintal's instrumental role in bringing the character of 'Shakuni Mama' to life and etching himself into the collective memory of households across the nation. Theater artist Sunil Chipde provided insights into Paintal's remarkable journey, from his directorial beginnings to his remarkable transformation into the infamous 'Shakuni Mama.' As the antagonist of the popular mythological tale 'Mahabharat,' Paintal captured the hearts of the audience with his portrayal of the conniving character.

Chipde recounted the actor's ability to embody the role and the passionate response it evoked from viewers, to the extent that Paintal received threats from people who couldn't separate the actor from the character. Much like Amrish Puri's Mogambo and Amjad Khan's Gabbar Singh, Gufi Paintal, with his exceptional acting talent, became synonymous with 'Shakuni Mama,' injecting an irresistible spice into the show. Today, the entertainment industry mourns the loss of a versatile artist, a dedicated soldier, and a beloved performer. Gufi Paintal leaves behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of Indian television and cinema. His portrayal of 'Shakuni Mama' will continue to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the power of captivating storytelling and the enduring impact of exceptional talent.