Veteran actress Pravina Deshpande, widely recognised for her role opposite Salman Khan in the 2011 hit Ready, has passed away at the age of 60 after a prolonged battle with blood cancer. Her family confirmed the news on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, through a heartfelt statement shared on her official Instagram account, announcing that she “has left for her heavenly abode.”
Deshpande’s last rites were performed the same day at 3:00 pm at the Hindu Crematorium in Chakala Parsiwada, Andheri East, Mumbai, where her loved ones gathered to pay their respects. The family’s message informed followers of the rites and conveyed their deep sorrow at her departure.
Born in 1965, she carved out a respected space for herself in both Hindi and Marathi entertainment, with a career spanning films, television, theatre and web series. Alongside her memorable part in Ready, she appeared in a host of notable films including Mumbai Meri Jaan, Ek Villain, Gabbar Is Back, Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran and Jalebi. On the small screen, she was seen in popular serials like Ghar Ek Mandir, Karam Apnaa Apnaa, Kumkum and Kulfi Kumar Bajewala. Her final on-screen appearance was in the web series Taskaree, starring Emraan Hashmi.
Deshpande had been fighting multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, since 2019. In past interviews, she spoke openly about her diagnosis, revealing how the illness began with minor symptoms but eventually led to the discovery of the disease. Despite the challenges, she continued to work and remained active in the industry for as long as her health permitted.
Colleagues, fans and associations like the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) expressed shock and grief at the news, remembering her as a professional and dedicated artiste whose contributions to Indian cinema and television were significant.
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