Shahnawaz Pradhan

Some Lesser Known Facts About Shahnawaz Pradhan

• Shahnawaz was born in a middle class family in Raj Khariar, Nuapada, Orissa.

  

• His family shifted to Raipur when Shahnawaz was seven years old.

• Shahnawaz performed on the stage for the first time when he was in class seven and from there, he developed an interest towards acting.

• He did his graduation from Ravishankar University.

• While in college, Shahnawaz joined a few local drama groups and started doing plays.

  

• In 1984, the renowned theatre artist, Habib Tanveer entered his college as a visiting professor. Habib shortlisted a few students to prepare the play. By the time the play ended, Tanveer offered Pradhan to join his theatre group “Naya Theatre.” Shahnawaz was a part of the theatre group for 5 years.

• During his theatre days, Shahnawaz did plays like “Charandas Chor,” “Lala Shohrat Rai,” “Hirma Ki Amar Kahani,” and “Mitti Ki Gaadi.”

  

• In 1991, Shahnawaz moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting.

• Shahnawaz made his acting debut with the show, “Jan Se Jantantra Tak.”

• He shot to fame after appearing in the TV series, “Shri Krishna.”

  

• Subsequently, he played the role of ‘Sindbad the Sailor’ in the popular fantasy television series, “Alif Laila.”

• Shahnawaz appeared in many TV serials, including “Byomkesh Bakshi (TV series),” “Tota Weds Maina,” “Bandhan Saat Janmon Ka,” and “Suite life of Karan and Kabir.”

  

• He has also appeared in many films, like “Bangistan,” “Raees,” and “Mirzapur.”

  

• Pradhan was featured in the advertisements of brands like “Century Plywood,” “Honda Activa 4G,” and “Droom.”

  

• He lent his voice to the character of ‘Sugreev’ in the TV series “Hanuman” (2005).

• In August 2015, Shahnawaz played the role of ‘Hafiz Saeed’ in the Bollywood film “Phantom.” The film got banned in Pakistan after Saeed filed a petition in the Lahore High Court. Following the ban in Pakistan, Shahnawaz was kept underground by the makers of the film as a precautionary measure.

• On 18 February 2023, during an award function in Mumbai, he complained of severe chest pain and fell unconscious. Later, he suffered a heart attack and was rushed to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he died during the treatment. ^[2]The Tribune