Veteran Marathi actress Ashalata Wabgaonkar died on Tuesday morning at a hospital in Satara, Maharashtra. She tested positive for COVID-19 a few days back. The 79-year-old actor was shooting of her Marathi serial Aai Kalubai. Various film, television, theatre personalities and politicians took to social media, to mourne her death.
Reportedly, the celebrated actor is survived by her son. A senior doctor who was treating Wabgaonkar told PTI, “Her condition worsened on Monday evening and she was put on ventilator support. She breathed her last today morning.” Reportedly, her last rites are also scheduled to be performed at Satara.
Ashalata Wabgaonkar acted in both Marathi and Hindi films. She was also a notable theatre personality. Wabgaonkar made her debut in Basu Chatterjee’s Apne Paraye. During her illustrious career, she featured in a host of successful films including Ankush, Woh Saat Din, Ahista Ahista, Shaukeen, Yaadon Ki Kasam, and Namak Halaal. Her Marathi filmography includes movies like Vahinichi Maya, Umbartha, and Sutradhar.
Also Read: Renowned Marathi Actress Ashalata Wabgaonkar Passes Away From COVID-19
What You Should Know:
- Veteran Marathi actress Ashalata Wabgaonkar died at the age of 79 today.
- She tested positive for COVID-19 a few days back.
- Wabgaonkar was famous for her work in Marathi and Hindi films.
Film Personalities Pay Tribute To Marathi Stalwart
Several notable film and theatre personalities took to Twitter to express their grief at Wabgaonkar’s demise. Actress Renuka Shahane paid tribute to “Ashalata Tai” with a tweet in Marathi, “Today has been a sad day. COVID-19 took a very beautiful life. Ashalata Tai merged into infinity. Extremely kind, loving, sensitive, great artist. Peace be upon the soul of Ashalata Tai, who has always blessed me, addressing me as 'Baby'. A heartfelt tribute."
आज फार हतबल झाल्ये. कोविडनी एक अत्यंत सुंदर जिवाचा बळी घेतला. आशालता ताईं अनंतात विलीन झाल्या. अत्यंत मायाळू, प्रेमळ, संवेदनशील, उत्तम कलाकार. मला नेहमीच "बाळा" म्हणत आशीर्वाद देणाऱ्या आशालता ताईच्या आत्म्याला शांती लाभो. भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली 🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Renuka Shahane (@renukash) September 22, 2020
Actress Rajshri Deshpande reshared Shahane’s tweet and wrote, “Rest in peace Ashalata tai.”
Rest in peace Ashalata tai 🙏❤️ https://t.co/qcCpFpNGSH
— Rajshri Deshpande (@rajshriartist) September 22, 2020
Wabgaonkar’s former co-star and celebrated Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi recalled her fond memories of working with the late actor. She wrote:
Deeply saddened. I had the pleasure of working with #Ashalataji in Basu Chatterjee’s #Apne Paraye and she was a delight to work with . Condolences to the https://t.co/HuaRz1Oi27🙏 pic.twitter.com/WTgpVQGSES
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) September 22, 2020
Actress Smita Gondkar remembered Ashalata Wabgaonkar and wrote about her inspirational body of work.
Deeply saddened with the demise of veteran actress Ashalata tai...Was always inspired by you and your work...every character you played so effortlessly ...Will miss you
— Smita Gondkar (@SmitaGondkar) September 22, 2020
Heartfelt condolense to the family and friends ...RIP🙏 pic.twitter.com/I0YQMJmRxt
Bollywood trade analyst Komal Nahta, too, shared a news article on Wabgaonkar’s demise and offered his condolences. He tweeted:
RIP Ashalata ji. She passed away this morning. https://t.co/KGOcUK5qvI pic.twitter.com/SI3N0GdkJE
— Komal Nahta (@KomalNahta) September 22, 2020
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Politicians Remember Ashalata Wabgaonkar
The late veteran actress hailed from the state of Goa. Acknowledging the same, former Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat shared Wabgaonkar’s picture and tweeted his condolences: “Deeply pained by the passing away of acclaimed Goan Artist Ashalata Wabgaonkar. Her splendid performances in theatre & films will keep inspiring the generations to come. My condolences to her family & fans. May her soul rest in peace.”
Deeply pained by the passing away of acclaimed Goan Artist Ashalata Wabgaonkar. Her splendid performances in theatre & films will keep inspiring the generations to come. My condolences to her family & fans. May her soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/HVGOnDUA8x
— Digambar Kamat (@digambarkamat) September 22, 2020
BJP leader Narendra Saiwankar wrote that Wabgaokar's death was "a huge loss" to Marathi theater and cinema. He Tweeted:
Dangerius virus #Covid_19 has another toll.
— Narendra Sawaikar नरेंद्र सावईकर (@NSawaikar) September 22, 2020
Deeply saddened by the demise of Goan artist #AshalataWabgaonkar. A huge loss to Marathi theater,cinema & Hindi Cinema as well. We all grew up watching her movies. May her soul attain Sadgati.
Om Shanti 🙏#Ashalatawabgaonkar pic.twitter.com/M5HvN3TROl
Image Credit: India.TV/ News East West
Tarini Gandhiok is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.