Mumbai, Nov 7: Veteran actor and playback singer Sulakshana Pandit, known for her iconic roles in films like Uljhan and Chehre Pe Chehra, passed away on Thursday, November 6, at the age of 71. According to a news agency, she died of cardiac arrest while being taken to Nanavati Hospital.

Sulakshana’s brother, Lalit Pandit, confirmed the news of her death, stating that she had complained of breathlessness on Thursday evening. "She seemed unwell and was having difficulty breathing. We were rushing her to Nanavati Hospital, but she passed away before we could get there, around 7 pm.”

Sulakshana made her film debut with the 1975 movie Uljhan, opposite Sanjeev Kumar. She went on to work with some of the biggest stars of the era, including Rajesh Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, and Vinod Khanna. Her notable films include Sankoch, Hera Pheri, Khandaan, Dharam Khanta, Do Waqt Ki Roti, and Gora. She also starred in the Bengali film Bandie (1978) with the legendary Uttam Kumar.

In addition to her acting career, Sulakshana was also a renowned playback singer. She lent her voice to numerous hit songs in multiple languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Oriya, and Gujarati. Some of her most famous tracks include Tu Hi Saagar Tu Hi Kinara, Pardesiya Tere Desh Mein, Bekrar Dil Tut Gaya, Saat Samundar Paar, Yeh Pyara Lage Tera Chehra, and Jab Aati Hogi Yaad Meri.

Sulakshana hailed from a musical family in Hisar, Haryana. Her uncle was the legendary Pandit Jasraj, and her siblings included popular music composers Jatin and Lalit Pandit, as well as actress Vijayata Pandit. Sulakshana began her singing career at the tender age of nine, alongside her brother Mandheer, and went on to have a successful career in both acting and music.

Her death marks the loss of a multifaceted talent who contributed significantly to the Indian entertainment industry, both as a singer and an actor.