Veteran theatre and film actor Sulabha Deshpande, who had acted in numerous Marathi and Hindi films, died at her Mumbai residence today after a prolonged illness, family sources said.
She was 79.
Apart from acting in the plays written by acclaimed playwrights such as Vijay Tendulkar, Deshpande featured in several Marathi and Hindi films and TV serials.
In Hindi, the noteworthy films in which she appeared included "Bhumika" (1977), "Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan" (1978) and "Gaman" (1978). In recent years, she had appeared in Gauri Shinde-directed "English-Vinglish".
She was associated with "Rangayan", a pioneering Marathi experimental theatre group, alongwith Tendulkar, Vijaya Mehta, and Satyadev Dubey.
In 1971 she co-founded the theatre group 'Awishkar' with her husband Arvind Deshpande (who died in 1987).
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condoled the demise of Sulabha Deshpande.
"The name 'Sulbha Deshpande' brings in front of our eyes that loving, caring mother in Marathi cinema. The news of her demise is saddening," he said.
"Sulbhaji's presence would be highly missed not only in Marathi and Hindi Cinema, but also in theatre and small screen. Her contribution will be remembered forever. My deepest condolences to her family and fans," Fadnavis added.
Noted playwright Satish Alekar said the industry has lost a "talented" actress.
"Deshpande's monologue in Marathi play 'Shantata Court Chalu Ahhe' will always be remembered," he said.
