Bollywood bid a tearful farewell to veteran actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit, who passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, after a prolonged illness. The actress breathed her last at a hospital in Mumbai. Her funeral was held on Friday afternoon, November 7, in Mumbai, where several well-known faces from the film industry gathered to pay their last respects to the legendary artist who left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema and music.
Among those present was actress Poonam Dhillon, a close friend of Sulakshana Pandit, who shared her grief while speaking to IANS. “She was a fine actress and a wonderful singer. She has faced a lot in her life. Initially, everything was hunky-dory, but soon after, things became worse for her,” Dhillon said with a heavy heart. She further added, “She deserved a lot more credit and fame for sure. Vijayta Pandit, Jatin-Lalit, and all of them took care of her very well till the very end. I have always told Vijayta that may God bless every human with a sibling like her. I just pray that wherever Sulakshana is, she is at peace.”
Sulakshana Pandit, a celebrated figure in the 1970s, was not only known for her acting prowess but also for her melodious singing. Born into a family deeply rooted in music, she was the sister of actress Vijayta Pandit and the celebrated music composer duo Jatin-Lalit, and the niece of legendary classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj.
She began her career as a playback singer, gaining fame with the beautiful duet “Saat Samandar Paar Se” alongside Lata Mangeshkar from the 1967 film Taqdeer. Her soulful rendition of “Tu Hi Sagar Tu Hi Kinara” from Sankalp (1976) won her the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
Pandit made her acting debut in 1975 with Uljhan and went on to star in several successful films such as Hera Pheri, Waqt Ki Deewar, Apnapan, and Khandaan. She worked with some of the biggest stars of her era, including Rajesh Khanna, Jeetendra, Vinod Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, and Shatrughan Sinha.
Her final playback song was in Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), composed by her brothers Jatin and Lalit, marking the end of a versatile and impactful career.
Sulakshana Pandit’s demise leaves a void in Indian cinema and music. Her voice, grace, and artistry will continue to live on through her timeless songs and memorable performances.