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Shahnawaz Pradhan Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 14, 2026 • 3 min read

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Quick Info

Date of birth6 December 1963

Age59 Years (at time of death)

BirthplaceRaj Khariar, Nuapada, Orissa, India

ProfessionActor

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried (at time of death)

FamilySurvived by a daughter; only child of his parents

Shahnawaz Pradhan Biography

Shahnawaz Pradhan was an Indian actor known for television and film work, including a memorable appearance as Nanda Baba in the TV epic Shri Krishna. He's

Early life and background
Shahnawaz Pradhan was born on 6 December 1963 in Raj Khariar, Nuapada, in what was then Orissa, India. His family moved to Raipur when he was seven, and he completed his schooling at a government high school in Raipur before graduating from Ravishankar University. Pradhan was the only child in his family.

He discovered a passion for performance early: his first stage appearance came in seventh grade. While at college he joined local drama groups and took part in plays, which led to a formative encounter in 1984 with theatre director Habib Tanveer. Tanveer invited him to join Naya Theatre, and Pradhan spent about five years with the company, performing in productions such as Charandas Chor, Lala Shohrat Rai, Hirma Ki Amar Kahani, and Mitti Ki Gaadi.

Career
Pradhan moved to Mumbai in 1991 to pursue acting on screen. He made his television debut with the series Jan Se Jantantra Tak in 1992 and gained wider recognition for his portrayal of Nanda Baba in the television epic Shri Krishna. He went on to play roles in a range of TV shows, including Alif Laila (as Sindbad the Sailor), Byomkesh Bakshi, Tota Weds Maina, Bandhan Saat Janmon Ka, and Suite Life of Karan and Kabir.

His screen work also extended to films and other media. Pradhan appeared in movies such as Bangistan, Raees, and Mirzapur, and contributed voice work — notably the character Sugreev in the 2005 television series Hanuman. He featured in advertising campaigns for brands including Century Plywood, Honda Activa 4G, and Droom.

In August 2015 he portrayed Hafiz Saeed in the Bollywood film Phantom; following controversy surrounding the film’s release in Pakistan, the production reportedly took precautions for his safety.

Public profile
Pradhan maintained a presence across stage, television and film over a career that spanned theatre roots and commercial screen roles. He was known for a range of character parts and supporting performances that brought him into family dramas, fantasy series, crime adaptations and mainstream cinema.

Personal life
Shahnawaz Pradhan practiced Islam. He lived in Raipur during his formative years and later moved to Mumbai for his acting career. He enjoyed reading and travelling, and listed tea as a preferred beverage and white as a favorite color. He admired actor Amitabh Bachchan. At the time of his death he was married and is survived by a daughter; his wife’s name has not been publicly recorded in the available material.

Death
On 18 February 2023, while attending an award function in Mumbai, Pradhan experienced severe chest pain, lost consciousness, and suffered a heart attack. He was taken to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, where he died during treatment at the age of 59.

Latest updates
At the time of his death, media reports noted his long association with theatre and a diverse body of television and film work that had made him a familiar face to Indian audiences.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Shahnawaz Pradhan, send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded

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Recent Work

Phantom

Played the role of Hafiz Saeed in the 2015 Bollywood film

2015
Hanuman

Voice of Sugreev in the 2005 television series

2005
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Career Highlights

  1. Joined Habib Tanveer’s Naya Theatre and performed in multiple stage productions
  2. Television debut with Jan Se Jantantra Tak (1992)
  3. Noted for the role of Nanda Baba in Shri Krishna
  4. Appeared in films including Bangistan, Raees and Mirzapur
  5. Featured in advertisements for Century Plywood, Honda Activa 4G and Droom
Reviewed by F4U Editorial Desk

F4U profile pages are prepared from public career information, checked for readability, and updated when reliable correction sources are shared with the editorial team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Shahnawaz Pradhan born?

Shahnawaz Pradhan was born on 6 December 1963.

What is Shahnawaz Pradhan known for?

Shahnawaz Pradhan is known for actor.

What is Shahnawaz Pradhan’s marital status?

Shahnawaz Pradhan's marital status is listed as Married (at time of death).