Her Cinematic Legacy Will Live On: PM Modi, Madhuri Dixit Pay Tribute To Sulochana Latkar

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

Latkar, a well-known actor of Marathi and Hindi cinema, started her career in the 1940s and went on to feature in over 250 films. In Bollywood, she was widely known for playing the on-screen mother to lead stars of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, including Sunil Dutt, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Dilip Kumar, and Amitabh Bachchan.

Latkar is survived by her daughter Kanchan Ghanekar. Her last rites will be held today at 5 pm at Shivaji Park crematorium in Dadar.

Sulochana Latkar passes away

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Latkar, 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.

Riteish Deshmukh said that she ruled the hearts of audiences in Marathi and Hindi cinema.

In conversation with ETimes, Amitabh Bachchan remembered his on-screen mother and said, "Sulochana ji was indeed a mother figure to both the Hindi and Marathi film industry. I still remember the beautiful handwritten letter she had sent me on my 75th birthday. It was one of the most cherished gifts I’ve ever received.”

Madhuri Dixit took to Twitter and wrote, "Sulochana Tai was one of the most loved and graceful actresses cinema has seen. My favourite film of hers will always be Sangate Aika. Her performance in every film was memorable. I will miss our conversations may you rest in peace. Your contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered"

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.

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.

The veteran actor was honoured with Padma Shri in 1999.

Suggested Reading: How Kirron Kher Is The Cool Millennial Replacement Of The Tragic ‘Bollywood Maa’ Trope