Veteran Bollywood actress and playback singer Sulakshana Pandit, known for her remarkable performances and soulful singing, passed away in Mumbai on Thursday at the age of 71. As reported by PTI, the legendary artist suffered a cardiac arrest while being taken to Nanavati Hospital, where she breathed her last. Her brother, music composer Lalit Pandit, confirmed the tragic news, stating that her funeral would take place on Friday.
Born on July 12, 1954, Sulakshana belonged to a prestigious musical family. She was the daughter of the classical vocalist Pratap Narain Pandit and the niece of the iconic Pandit Jasraj. Her siblings include the celebrated composer duo Jatin-Lalit and actress-singer Vijeta Pandit, making her part of one of India’s most talented artistic dynasties.
Sulakshana’s career began as a playback singer in the late 1960s, where she quickly became a cherished voice of the era. Her rendition of “Tu Hi Saagar Hai, Tu Hi Kinara” from the film Sankalp earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 1975, marking a milestone in her musical journey. She collaborated with some of the greatest voices of Indian cinema, including Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and Mukesh, leaving behind timeless melodies that continue to resonate with music lovers.
Her transition to acting was equally successful. Sulakshana made her debut in Uljhan (1975) opposite Sanjeev Kumar and went on to star in films such as Sankoch, Khandaan, and Dharam Kanta. She shared the screen with leading stars like Rajesh Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, and Vinod Khanna, earning praise for her grace and expressive performances.
However, despite her early fame, Sulakshana gradually withdrew from the spotlight. Reports over the years have suggested that emotional and personal hardships, including her affection for actor Sanjeev Kumar, deeply affected her. She remained unmarried and faced financial and health challenges later in life, living quietly away from the glamour of Bollywood.
Her passing has sparked an outpouring of grief across the entertainment industry. Fans, colleagues, and music enthusiasts have been sharing heartfelt tributes, remembering her as “a voice full of emotion and grace” that defined an unforgettable era of Hindi cinema. Sulakshana Pandit’s legacy lives on through her music and the emotions she evoked with every song and performance.
