Veteran Bhojpuri actor Gopal Rai passes away at 76
Picture Credit: X
Veteran Bhojpuri actor
Gopal Rai
passed away on Sunday evening at the age of 76. After battling illness for several years, he breathed his last at his ancestral home. The news of his demise quickly spread across social media, with fans and members of the Bhojpuri film fraternity sharing their grief.
A pillar of Bhojpuri cinema
Gopal Rai was one of the pioneering faces of Bhojpuri cinema who played a significant role in elevating the industry. Over a career spanning several decades, he appeared in more than 200 films and television shows. Known for his versatility, Gopal Rai effortlessly portrayed a wide range of characters from menacing villains to comic roles and winning the hearts of audiences with every performance.
The news of his passing was confirmed by noted film critic Sanjay Bhushan Patiala. On Instagram, he wrote, "Sad news for Bhojpuri film industry: Gopal Rai passes away Muzaffarpur, Bihar, 25 May 2025 ! Bhojpuri is a sad news for film industry. Our beloved actor Gopal Rai has passed away. He was known for his acting and simplicity and had made a unique identity of himself in the Bhojpuri film industry." The post also mentioned that their cremation will be tomorrow at Rewa Ghat.
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Some of his most memorable films include blockbusters like 'Nadiya Ke Paar', 'Ganga Kinare Mora Gaon', and 'Nirahua Hindustani'. His work alongside Bhojpuri superstars such as
Pawan Singh
and Dinesh Lal Yadav, popularly known as Nirahua, was especially appreciated. The chemistry he shared with these leading actors was a highlight for many fans.
Life away from the spotlight in his final years
In recent years, due to health issues, Gopal Rai had stepped away from the limelight and returned to his native village from Mumbai. Despite his absence from the screen, he maintained close ties with the industry, often meeting fellow artists. His recent interactions with Nirahua and Amrapali Dubey showed that his bond with the Bhojpuri film world remained strong even as he lived away from it.
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