The Indian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of one of its most dependable and versatile character actors. Pravina Deshpande, a beloved name across Hindi and Marathi cinema, television, theatre, and the digital space, passed away on February 17, 2026, in Mumbai. She was 60 years old. The actress had been fighting multiple myeloma – a form of blood cancer – since her diagnosis in October 2019.
A Quiet Announcement, A Heavy Grief
The news of her passing was shared by her family through a heartfelt statement posted on her official Instagram account. “It is with great sadness that we inform you that Mrs. Pravina Deshpande has left for her heavenly abode on 17th February 2026,” the note read. It was signed by her husband Aniruddha and children Abhimanyu, Ruchira, and Veer Deshpande. Her last rites were held the same afternoon at the Hindu Crematorium in Chakala Parsiwada, Andheri East, Mumbai. The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), of which she had been a member since 2008, also paid its tribute and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
A Career Built on Depth and Dedication
Pravina Deshpande was never the kind of actress who sought the spotlight – but when she appeared on screen, she made every moment count. She built a distinguished career over decades, working effortlessly across languages and mediums. In Hindi cinema, she earned widespread recognition for her role as Shalu Chaudhary in the 2011 blockbuster Ready, starring Salman Khan and Asin – a film that went on to become one of the biggest commercial hits of that year. Though her role was a supporting one, her performance left a lasting impression on audiences.
She went on to appear in a series of notable Bollywood productions: Bombay Talkies (2013), D-Day (2013), Monsoon Shootout (2013), Ek Villain (2014) with Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor, Gabbar Is Back (2015) with Akshay Kumar, Aligarh (2015), Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran (2018) alongside John Abraham, and Blackmail (2018), among others. Each role, no matter how small, bore the signature of an actress deeply committed to her craft.
A Parallel Legacy in Marathi Cinema and Television
Alongside her work in Hindi films, Deshpande maintained a strong presence in Marathi cinema and regional entertainment. On the small screen, she became a familiar face in households across the country through popular television serials such as Ghar Ek Mandir, Kumkum, Karam Apnaa Apnaa, and Kulfi Kumar Bajewala. Her performances across genres – drama, comedy, social commentary – demonstrated a rare range and a genuine understanding of the emotional grammar of Indian storytelling.
Her Final Chapter
Deshpande’s last screen appearance was in the Netflix web series Taskaree, starring Emraan Hashmi. It was a fitting final chapter for an actress who had continuously evolved with the changing landscape of Indian entertainment – from theatre stages and film sets to digital platforms. Even as she battled illness behind the scenes, she continued to work, embodying the quiet resilience that defined not just her characters, but her own life.
In a 2024 interview, she had spoken openly about her diagnosis. “It began with minor skin eruptions and gradually spread,” she had shared. “I was eventually diagnosed with multiple myeloma in October 2019.” Her candour and courage in speaking about her health journey earned her admiration beyond just her professional accomplishments.
A Legacy That Endures
Pravina Deshpande may not have been a household name in the conventional Bollywood sense, but her absence will be felt deeply – by co-stars, directors, audiences, and an industry that relied on her steady, soulful presence to bring authenticity to countless stories. She is survived by her husband and two children.
She was 60. She was irreplaceable.
