Big-screen mother Sulochana Latkar dies at 94; PM Modi pays tributes

PTI

Mumbai, June 4

Noted actor Sulochana Latkar died on Sunday due to prolonged illness at a hospital here, her grandson-in-law Parag Ajgavkar confirmed. She was 94.

Latkar, a well-known actor of Marathi and Hindi cinema, started her career in 1940s and went on to feature in over 250 films.

The actor was admitted to Shushrusha Hospital in Dadar on May 8.

“She passed away at around 6.30 pm at the hospital due to prolonged illness. She had a respiratory tract infection for which she was admitted on May 8,” Parag told PTI.

Some of Latkar’s notable films are “Sasurvas”, “Vahinichya Bangdya”, and “Dhakti Jau” in Marathi and “Aaye Din Bahar Ke”, “Gora Aur Kala”, “Devar”, “Talaash”, and “Azaad”, in Hindi.

In Bollywood, the actor largely played on-screen mother to lead stars of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, including Sunil Dutt, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Dilip Kumar, and Amitabh Bachchan.

She featured in Hindi blockbuster hits such as “Heera”, “Reshma Aur Shera”, “Jaani Dushman”, “Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai”, “Jhonny Mera Naam”, “Kati Patang”, Mere Jeevan Saathi”, “Prem Nagar”, and “Bhola Bhala”.

Latkar was honoured with Padma Shri in 1999. She is survived by her daughter Kanchan Ghanekar.

Her last rites will be held tomorrow at 5 pm at Shivaji Park crematorium in Dadar.

Big void in the world of Indian cinema: PM Modi    

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to noted actor Sulochana Latkar, who died on Sunday, saying her unforgettable performances have endeared her to people across generations.

"The passing of Sulochana Ji leaves a big void in the world of Indian cinema. Her unforgettable performances have enriched our culture and have endeared her to people across generations. Her cinematic legacy will live on through her works. Condolences to her family. Om Shanti," he said.

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