PM Narendra Modi, Amitabh Bachchan pay tributes to ‘caring mother’ of screen Sulochana: ‘Her legacy will live on’

PM Modi took to Twitter and paid a heartfelt tribute to the actor, writing that her passing away has left a huge void, but she’ll continue to live through her rich legacy of work. “The passing of Sulochana Ji leaves a big void in the world of Indian cinema. Her unforgettable performances have enriched our culture and have endeared her to people across generations. Her cinematic legacy will live on through her works. Condolences to her family. Om Shanti”

The passing of Sulochana Ji leaves a big void in the world of Indian cinema. Her unforgettable performances have enriched our culture and have endeared her to people across generations. Her cinematic legacy will live on through her works. Condolences to her family. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 4, 2023

Amitabh Bachchan, in his blog, wrote about Sulochana and described her a “gentle, generous, caring mother” of screen. The megastar, who worked with her in Muqadddar Ka Sikander, Majboor and Reshma Aur Shera, revealed he was in constant touch with her family to monitor her health as she wasn’t keeping well for some time.

“We have lost another great of our Cinema World – Sulochana ji .. the gentle, generous, caring Mother that played in several films with me .. she had been ailing for some time .. and this afternoon she left for her heavenly abode .. I had been monitoring here condition with her family .. but finally the sad news ! We can only pray in such unforgiving circumstances,” he wrote in his blog.

Madhuri Dixit tweeted that Sulochana was one of the most graceful actors and listed her favourite film of Sulochana— the 1959 Marathi drama Sangate Aika. “Sulochana Tai was one of the most loved and graceful actresses cinema has seen. My favourite film of hers will always be Sangate Aika. Her performance in every film was memorable. I will miss our conversations may you rest in peace. Your contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered 🙏🏻”

Sulochana Tai was one of the most loved and graceful actresses cinema has seen. My favourite film of hers will always be Sangate Aika. Her performance in every film was memorable. I will miss our conversations may you rest in peace. Your contribution to Indian cinema will always…

— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) June 4, 2023

Sulochana’s daughter Kanchan Ghanekar told Indianexpress.com that the actor had “age related health issues and breathing difficulties.” According to a family statement, her ‘antim darshan’ will be held at her Prabhadevi residence in the city. Her cremation will be held on Monday at 5:30 pm at Shivaji Park crematorium.

Riteish Deshmukh took to Twitter and shared a picture of Sulochana, writing that the actor “ruled the hearts” of Hindi and Marathi audiences. “The news of the death of Sulochana Didi is very sad. A heartfelt tribute to this great actress who ruled the hearts of audiences in Marathi and Hindi cinema. 🙏🏽🙏🏽”

सुलोचना दिदी यांच्या निधनाची बातमी अत्यंत दुःखद आहे. मराठीसह हिंदी चित्रसृष्टीतील प्रेक्षकांच्या मनावर राज्य करणाऱ्या या महान अभिनेत्रीला भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली. 🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/15SApfbwo4

— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) June 4, 2023

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar also paid tributes to Sulochana and credited the actor for “beautifully” personifying the role of a mother in cinema. “It’s a somber moment as we bid farewell to the legendary actress Sulochana Tai. She beautifully personified the role of a mother in cinema for over four decades. Her invaluable contributions to #IndianCinema will always be remembered. 🎞️🙏 #OmShanti 🙏 #IndianCinema”

Sulochana, whose Marathi titles include Sasurvas, Vahinichya Bangdya, Meeth Bhakar, and Dhakti Jau, was honoured with Padma Shri in 1999.