Renowned actress Sulochana Latkar, known for her captivating performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away at the age of 94 due to an age-related illness. She was widely acclaimed for her portrayal of warm and nurturing mother characters and leaves behind an impressive filmography of over 250 Hindi and 50 Marathi films. Sulochana was born on July 30, 1928, in Khadaklat village near Kolhapur.
Sulochana began her acting career in Marathi films and gained popularity through her leading roles in movies like “Sasurvas,” “Meeth Bhakar,” “Sangte Aika,” and “Dhakti Jaoo,” among others. She later ventured into Hindi cinema in the 1940s and ’50s, sharing the screen with top actors such as Prithviraj Kapoor and Ashok Kumar.
Her talent and expressive eyes caught the attention of the legendary Marathi filmmaker Bhalji Pendharkar, who named her Sulochana, meaning ‘the one with the beautiful eyes’ in Sanskrit. This name became synonymous with her career and resonated with the film industry and cinegoers for decades to come.
Throughout her illustrious career, Sulochana received numerous state and national awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 1999. She was also honored with the Maharashtra Bhushan award in 2009 and the Chitra Bhushan Award in 2003, instituted by the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal to commemorate the birth anniversary of Baburao Painter, a founding figure in modern Marathi cinema.
Sulochana’s passing deeply saddened the film industry, with veteran Hindi and Marathi cinema and television actress Usha Nadkarni expressing her grief. Nadkarni spoke highly of Sulochana, stating that she “lived every role” and believed she would live to be 100. Nadkarni fondly remembered working with Sulochana in the Marathi serial “Chawal Navachi Vachal Vasti” and offered her heartfelt tribute to the late actress.
Another prominent figure in the industry, Sachin Pilgaonkar, shared his memories of Sulochana, recounting their first meeting in 1962. Pilgaonkar regarded Sulochana as a mother figure who nurtured him not only artistically but also socially and culturally. He cherished the time they spent together and considered himself fortunate to have been in her company for an extended period.
Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sulochana, acknowledging her significant contributions to Indian cinema and stating that her unforgettable performances have enriched the country’s culture. He expressed his belief that Sulochana’s cinematic legacy will continue to live on through her remarkable body of work.
Sulochana’s last rites were scheduled to take place on Monday at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Dadar, Mumbai. Her demise has left a void in the world of Indian cinema, but her contributions and talent will be remembered and cherished by fans and the industry alike.
In conclusion, Sulochana Latkar, with her captivating performances and memorable roles, made a lasting impact on both Hindi and Marathi cinema. Her legacy as a versatile and talented actress will continue to inspire generations to come.