Mumbai: Senior actor Sarabjeet ‘Gufi’ Paintal, 79, died of age-related ailments at an Andheri hospital Monday. His masterful portrayal as the evil, lame Shakuni Mama in B R Chopra’s epic serial ‘Mahabharat’ cast the die for his eternal fame.

A native of Tarn Taran, Punjab, he was born October 4, 1944. Gufi was the older brother of comedian (Kanwarjit) Paintal and followed him into cinema after having served in the Army. Aside from acting, Gufi worked as casting director and was also an occasional writer and director.

Nephew Hiten informed PTI, “He passed away peacefully in his sleep in hospital around 9am. His heart gave up.” The actor was admitted a week ago for cardiac trouble and blood pressure.

Gufi Paintal featured in Basu Chatterji’s ‘Dillagi’ (1978), where he played the photographer brother of actress Kajri. Other noteworthy films are ‘Rafoo Chakkar’, ‘Des Pardes’ and ‘Suhaag’ and TV serials ‘Shaktimaan’, ‘CID’ and ‘Hello Inspector’. His name appears as assistant director in a few movies as well.

However, it was his notoriety as Shakuni Mama that earned him the permanent nickname ‘Mama Shree’. Friends and fans addressed him in this manner as they mourned his death on social media. Gufi lived in Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri, near his brother Paintal. His last rites were performed at Oshiwara crematorium at 4. 30pm.

Gufi leaves behind wife Rekha and son Harry, who lit the funeral pyre. The Kaurava tribe from the ‘Mahabharat’, including Surendra Pal (Dronacharya) and Pankaj Dheer (Karna) attended. Mukesh Khanna, who enacted Bheeshma, said it was Gufi who cast him in the coveted part.

Pankaj Dheer said, “Till date, people try to copy him but they are not able to reach his style of performance.” The threesome, including Puneet Issar, spent a lot of time together on set as the villainous trio of Shakuni, Karna and Duryodhana.

Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) offered tribute on social media. Actors Gulshan Devaiah and Nimrat Kaur also expressed sorrow.