Goofy Paintal, Shakuni Mama of BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, dozes off

Actor Goofy Paintal, who became famous for playing the role of Shakuni in Mahabharata, passed away on Monday morning. He was 78 years old. Paintal was admitted to Andheri Hospital in Mumbai 8 days ago. He had heart and kidney problems.

Goofy's nephew Hiten and his Mahabharata co-star Surendra Pal have confirmed the death. His last rites will be performed today at 4 o'clock.

Just a week ago, Goofy was having problems with his health when he was in Faridabad. He was brought to Mumbai for further treatment.

Goofy made his Bollywood debut in 1975 with the film 'Rafu Chakkar'. In the 80s, he acted in many films and television shows. However, he got recognition from BR Chopra's Mahabharata in 1988. He last acted in Star India's show 'Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki'. He was an army man before he came into acting.

He came to Mumbai in 1969 following the advice of his younger brother Kanwarjit. After learning modeling and acting there, he worked as an assistant director in several films. At that time, he got an opportunity to work as a casting director in Mahabharata.

"I was looking for a suitable face to play the character of Shakuni in Mahabharata. I auditioned all the actors for the show. I chose three people for this role. It was at this time that the script writer Masoom Raza advised me to act in the role of Shakuni. This is how I became Shakuni of Mahabharata", he used to say.