Shahnawaz Pradhan was born on December 6, 1963, in Raj Khariar, Nuapada, Orissa, India. He was an accomplished Indian television and film actor renowned for his diverse roles across various genres. He gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Sindbad the Sailor in the fantasy television series Alif Laila (1993–1997) and Nand Baba in Ramanand Sagar's epic series Shree Krishn. His film credits include notable performances in Phantom (2015), where he played Hafiz Saeed, and Raees (2017). Pradhan also lent his voice to various characters in Hindi dubs of South Indian films, showcasing his versatility as a voice actor. He passed away on February 17, 2023, due to a cardiac arrest in Mumbai.