Prateek Yadav Dies At 38: The Private, Non-Political Face Of Yadav Clan Who Chose A Different Path

Last Updated:May 13, 2026, 10:23 IST Prateek studied business management abroad and later became associated with ventures linked to real estate, hospitality, fitness and wellness Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and stepbrother of Akhilesh Yadav, died in Lucknow on Wednesday morning at the age of 38. His sudden death has once again drawn public attention to one of Uttar Pradesh’s most influential political families and to a man who, despite belonging to the Yadav dynasty, consciously stayed away from electoral politics and public power struggles. Prateek Yadav was born to Mulayam Singh Yadav and his second wife Sadhana Gupta. For years, Sadhana Gupta remained away from the political limelight, and it was only after the death of Mulayam Singh’s first wife Malti Devi in 2003 that the family structure became publicly discussed. Akhilesh Yadav, Mulayam’s political heir and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister, is Mulayam’s son from his first marriage. Unlike Akhilesh Yadav, Shivpal Yadav and other members of the extended Yadav family who became deeply involved in politics, Prateek chose an entirely different path. Family associates often described him as reserved, soft-spoken and someone uncomfortable with the aggressive public life that comes with politics. ALSO READ | Prateek Yadav Was Hospitalised In Critical Condition In April, Was Discharged Later: Sources “Prateek always preferred a private life. He never wanted to be seen as a political claimant despite belonging to the family," said a Samajwadi Party leader close to the Yadav family. He pursued business and lifestyle ventures instead. Prateek reportedly studied business management abroad and later became associated with ventures linked to real estate, hospitality, fitness and wellness. In Lucknow’s elite social circles, he was known more as an entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast than as a political heir. Fitness became one of the defining aspects of his public image. Prateek maintained a muscular physique and regularly posted gym workout videos, health tips and training routines on social media. Several people close to him said he was deeply disciplined about his fitness routine. “He was extremely particular about his health and workout schedule. Even close friends knew that fitness was central to his lifestyle," said a family acquaintance who had known him for years. He also had a widely discussed passion for luxury automobiles and superbikes. Despite his high-profile background, those close to him say he preferred spending time with family, friends and pets rather than attending political gatherings or public events. Prateek Yadav was equally known for his love for animals. He had launched an animal welfare initiative called “Jeev Ashray", focused on rescuing and caring for stray and abandoned animals. His social media profiles often featured rescued dogs and appeals for animal welfare. “He was emotionally attached to animals. Whenever there was an injured stray animal, he personally ensured treatment arrangements were made," said a volunteer associated with his animal welfare initiative. One of Prateek’s most widely shared social media posts read: “May life treat you the way you treat animals," reflecting the compassionate image he cultivated outside politics. In 2011, Prateek married Aparna Yadav, who later became politically active herself. Aparna initially entered politics through the Samajwadi Party and contested the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election from Lucknow Cantonment. She later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2022, a move that attracted significant political attention because of her connection to the Yadav family. Prateek, however, continued to stay away from politics even after Aparna’s growing political role. Political observers often noted that he rarely made public political statements and avoided commenting on the rivalry between the Samajwadi Party and the BJP. Earlier this year, Prateek unexpectedly returned to public discussion after controversial posts appeared from his Instagram account alleging tension within the family and problems in his marriage. The posts triggered speculation in political circles, but Aparna Yadav’s family later claimed the account had been hacked and termed the posts fake. A senior political analyst in Lucknow said Prateek’s personality stood in sharp contrast to the combative political environment surrounding the Yadav family. “In a family where almost every member eventually became political, Prateek remained an exception. He represented the non-political face of the Yadav household," the analyst said. People close to the family say Prateek maintained cordial ties with Akhilesh Yadav despite complex political and personal equations within the extended family over the years. During Mulayam Singh Yadav’s final years, Prateek was occasionally seen with family members at personal events but continued to avoid political visibility. According to sources, Prateek’s health deteriorated suddenly on Wednesday morning. He was rushed to a civil hospital in Lucknow, where doctors declared him dead. The exact cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed, and the body has been sent for postmortem examination. Though he never entered active politics, Prateek Yadav remained a widely recognised public figure because of his family background, business profile, lifestyle and image as someone who chose to remain outside the intense political world surrounding him. News india Prateek Yadav Dies At 38: The Private, Non-Political Face Of Yadav Clan Who Chose A Different Path