Sarabjeet Paintal, better known as Gufi Paintal, is an Indian actor, director, and actor’s director. She is best known for playing the role of ‘Shakuni’ in the Indian epic television series “Mahabharat.” He died at the age of 78 in Mumbai on 5 June 2023.
Wiki/Biography
Gufi Paintal was born on Wednesday, 4 October 1944 (age 78 years; at death) in Delhi. His zodiac sign is Libra. His family has roots in Lahore, Pakistan. He did his schooling from DPS Delhi International School. Born to a cameraman father, Paintal and his elder brother Kanwarjit, used to do small shadow plays in their childhood. The world of entertainment has always attracted his attention. However, his father wanted him to become an engineer. So, after he finished school, Gufi went on to study engineering. After completing his studies, he joined Tata Engineering & Locomotive firm in Jamshedpur, Bihar. During the defense emergency due to the China war, Gufi served with the army in Bihar for several years. Later, he was transferred to Tata Engineering & Locomotive branch in Bombay (now, Mumbai). By then, his brother, Kanwarjit, had already got his first break. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Gufi decided to step into the entertainment industry. He first joined as an assistant director.
Physical appearance
Height (approx): 5′ 6″
Hair Color: Gray
Eye Color: Brown
Family & Caste
Gufi Paintal belongs to Sikh Family. His father, Gurucharan Paintal was a veteran cameraman in Lahore. Not much is known about his mother. His younger brother, Kanwarjit Paintal, is an actor and comedian.
Brother Gufi Paintal, Kanwarjit Paintal
He married Rekha, who died in 1993 of a heart attack. Together, they have a son, Harry Paintal, who is an actor.
Gufi Paintal with his wife and son
His nephew Hiten Paintal is an actor.
Gufi Paintal’s nephew, Hiten Paintal
Career
Gufi Paintal started his career as an assistant director when he was 24 years old. Slowly, he started getting character roles. He made his film debut in 1978 playing the role of ‘Ganesh’ in the romantic comedy “Dillagi.” Next, he appeared in the Bollywood film “Des Pardes.” He later joined as technical head in BR Films. He used to look after the advertising department. It was then that he got the role of ‘Shakuni’ in the epic Indian TV series “Mahabharat.” Gufi gained immense popularity by playing the role of ‘Shakuni.’ After that, he appeared in the crime series “Kanoon” as ‘Justice Raghunath.’
Gufi Paintal as Shakuni in Mahabharat
She appeared in many Bollywood films such as “Suhaag,” “Maidan-E-Jung,” “The Revenge: Geeta Mera Naam,” “Kaalo,” “Mahabharat Aur Barbareek,” and “Samrat & Co.” Paintal has also featured in TV shows like “Akbar Birbal,” “Ssshhhh..Koi Hai,” and “Karn Sangini.”
The Last Movie
His last film released was Samrat & Co. (2014) where he played the role of Dinesh Das aka DD Family Lawyer.
The Last TV Show
His last television show was Jay Kaniya lal Ki (2021-22) on Star Bharat where he played the role of Vishwakarma.
Death
On 5 June 2023, he died of age-related health problems at Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Andheri, Mumbai, where he had been undergoing treatment for several days.
Facts/Trivia
- His hobbies include reading and traveling.
- Initially, Gufi joined the TV series “Mahabharat” as an assistant director. However, later she was offered the role of ‘Shakuni’ in the serial.
- Paintal used to earn Rs. 3000 per episode for playing the role of ‘Shakuni’ in “Mahabharat.”
- While serving in the Indian army, Gufi and his friends used to enact Ramleela at the border for their entertainment. At that time, she used to play the role of Sita.
- During the interview, Gufi revealed that the first salary he ever received was Rs. 7000 per month, which he earned while working as an engineer in a Tata firm.
- In 2010, Painttail was appointed head of facilities at the Abbhinnay Acting Academy in Mumbai.
Categories: Biography
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
