Veteran Actress and Singer Sulakshana Pandit Passes Away at 71 in Mumbai

Veteran Bollywood actress and playback singer Sulakshana Pandit passed away at the age of 71 in Mumbai after battling a prolonged illness. The celebrated star of the 1970s and 1980s left behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and timeless songs that continue to resonate with fans across generations.

Though the cause of death has not yet been officially disclosed, reports suggest that the actress had been suffering from ongoing health-related complications. Her passing has left the Indian film and music fraternity in mourning, with tributes pouring in from industry colleagues and admirers.

Born on July 12, 1954, in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, Sulakshana Pandit came from a family deeply rooted in music. She began singing at the tender age of nine and soon made her mark as a talented playback singer. Her first song, Saat Samandar Paar Se, from the 1967 film Taqdeer — a duet with the legendary Lata Mangeshkar — became an instant hit.

In 1976, Sulakshana’s soulful rendition of Tu Hi Sagar Tu Hi Kinara from the film Sankalp earned her a Filmfare Award, cementing her reputation as one of the most promising voices of her era.

Following her success in music, Sulakshana ventured into acting. She made her Bollywood debut in 1975 with Uljhan and soon starred in several notable films including Hera Pheri, Apnapan, Khandaan, and Waqt Ki Deewar. Over the years, she worked alongside some of the biggest stars of Indian cinema — Rajesh Khanna, Jeetendra, Vinod Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, and Shatrughan Sinha.

Sulakshana Pandit’s personal life was marked by heartbreak. She was deeply fond of actor Sanjeev Kumar, her co-star in Uljhan. However, their love story never materialized — Sanjeev Kumar was reportedly in love with actress Hema Malini, who declined his proposal. When Sulakshana later expressed her feelings for Kumar, he turned her down, and she chose never to marry.

After Sanjeev Kumar’s untimely death in 1985, Sulakshana was left devastated and withdrew from the film industry. In a poignant coincidence, she passed away on November 6, the same date on which Sanjeev Kumar had died 40 years earlier.

Sulakshana Pandit will be remembered for her elegance, talent, and contribution to Indian cinema — both as a melodious voice and a gifted performer whose charm defined an era. Her songs and films continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.