Gufi Paintal, Shakuni Mama, passes away at ৭৯

Actor Gufi Paintal, best known for playing Shakuni mama in the epic TV serial Mahabharat, died on Monday at a hospital.

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, “Unfortunately, he is no more. He passed away at the hospital at around 9 am. His heart gave up. He passed away peacefully in his sleep.”

Hiten earlier informed that his uncle was not keeping well due to age-related health issues.
“He had blood pressure and heart issues. He was keeping unwell and all this was going on for a while. Things got severe now so we got him to the hospital for observation. He has been in the hospital for seven to eight days. He was critical initially, but right now he is stable,” he had said.

Paintal’s acting credits also include 1980s Hindi films such as “Suhaag”, “Dillagi”, as well as television shows “CID” and “Hello Inspector”, but his manipulative uncle act as Shakuni mama from BR Chopra’s “Mahabharat” made him a household name.
He is survived by his son, daughter-in-law, and a grandchild.