Veteran Singer-Actress Sulakshana Pandit Dies At 71, Brother Lalit Pandit Confirms

Veteran

actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit, a beloved figure from the golden era of Indian cinema, has passed away at the age of 68. Known for her melodious voice and memorable screen presence, the multi-talented artist breathed her last on Thursday evening after suffering a cardiac arrest. The actress had reportedly been unwell for some time. Her passing marks the end of an era that celebrated elegance, melody, and timeless artistry.

Sulakshana Pandit dies after cardiac arrest

Confirming the heartbreaking news, her brother and music composer Lalit Pandit told PTI, "She passed away due to cardiac arrest around 7 pm. She had complained of breathlessness and seemed a bit unwell. We were taking her to Nanavati Hospital but she died before we could reach the hospital."Sulakshana Pandit, sister to the iconic composer duo Jatin-Lalit and actress Vijayta Pandit, was an integral part of the Hindi film and music industry through the 1970s and 1980s. Her charm and versatility as both a singer and actress earned her immense respect in the entertainment world.

Sulakshana Pandit's glorious career

She began her acting career in 1975 with the suspense thriller Uljhan, opposite Sanjeev Kumar. The film was a success and marked the beginning of a prolific phase for the actress. Over the next decade, she appeared in several successful films including Sankoch, Apnapan, Hera Pheri, Khandaan, Chehre Pe Chehra, Dharam Kanta, and Waqt Ki Deewar. She also ventured into Bengali cinema with Bandie (1978), opposite the legendary Uttam Kumar, earning appreciation for her performance.As a playback singer, Sulakshana Pandit left an indelible mark on Indian music. She made her singing debut as a child alongside Lata Mangeshkar in Taqdeer (1967) with the song Saat Samundar Paar Se. She went on to record several memorable tracks through the 1970s and 1980s, collaborating with industry stalwarts such as Kishore Kumar, Hemant Kumar, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Some of her most loved songs include Tu Hi Sagar Hai (Sankoch), Bandhi Re Kahe Preet (Sankoch), and Beqarar Dil Tu Gaye Ja (Door Ka Rahi). Apart from Hindi, she also lent her voice to songs in Bengali, Marathi, Oriya, and Gujarati, showcasing her linguistic and musical versatility.Her passing is a deep loss for Indian entertainment, but her music and performances will continue to live on — reminding generations of the golden era she helped shape.