Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat's son, Vikramaditya, broke down as he recalled his father's final moments during the actor's last rites held at Oshiwara Crematorium in Mumbai on Wednesday.Speaking to the media after bidding an emotional farewell to his father, Vikramaditya shared how the family initially believed the actor was suffering from a minor stomach infection before doctors diagnosed him with an aggressive and rare form of blood cancer.

'Doctors first thought it was a stomach infection'

Recalling the shocking turn of events, Vikramaditya said, "We went to a doctor, and they said it might be a stomach infection or something. They gave him a lot of medicines, but none of them worked. My mom called me to say that his health had deteriorated. We got a blood test done, and his white blood cell count was very high. We immediately took him to Kokilaben Hospital, where the doctors told us there was a 99 per cent chance it was blood cancer.

"He added that the diagnosis was confirmed the very next day."A day later, it was confirmed that it was blood cancer. We were shattered. It was a rare type of cancer, and it is very aggressive in nature. We had got my father's tests done just two months ago, and everything was normal. So whatever happened, happened within one and a half months," he said.

'I saw doctors giving him CPR'

Fighting back tears, Vikramaditya also described the heartbreaking moments outside the intensive care unit before his father's death.

"We rushed outside the ICU. All the doctors were inside. I opened the door and saw them giving him CPR. That's when I understood," he said.Speaking about his mother, he added, "Then my mum started crying. That's it. I'm sure he's in a better place."

'He would be happy so many people came'

Despite the immense grief, Vikramaditya expressed gratitude to everyone who attended Pradeep Rawat's final rites."He's happy that so many people showed up. I'm sure he's very happy.

Thank you very much," he said.

Pradeep Rawat dies at 74 after battle with blood cancer

Pradeep Rawat passed away on August 4 at the age of 74 after battling blood cancer. His last rites were attended by several members of the film fraternity, including Aamir Khan and members of the Lagaan team, who gathered in Mumbai to pay their final respects.A respected character actor across Hindi and regional cinema, Pradeep Rawat was best known for his memorable performances in Ghajini, Lagaan, and B.R. Chopra's iconic television series Mahabharat. Over a career spanning decades, he earned recognition for portraying powerful antagonists and character roles that left a lasting impression on audiences.