Veteran actor Shashikala Om Prakash Saigal died on Sunday. She was 88. More popularly known by her first name, Shashikala has famously appeared as various supporting characters in over 100 films including Bimla, Sujata, Aarti, Anupama, Waqt, Gumrah and Khubsoorat, among many others.
Actor Jagdeep’s son Naved Jafri confirmed her demise and wrote, “Our dear Shashikala Ji is no more. She was a great artist. May the almighty give the family strength and patience to bear this irreplaceable loss. Deepest condolences 🙏
#ShashiKala #RIPShashikala.”
Indian politician and businessman Praful Patel tweeted the news and wrote, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Veteran actress Shashikala ji. She made a noteworthy contribution to Indian Cinema by portraying several pivotal roles. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace.”
Shashikala was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri by the Indian government for her unparalleled contribution to the world of cinema and arts in 2007. She was also conferred with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award at the V. Shantaram Awards in 2009. Apart from this, Shashikala bagged two Filmfare awards for her work in Aarti and Gumrah.
Shashikala famously played the supporting character parts in over 100 movies.
Born on August 4, 1932 in Maharashtra’s Solapur district, Shashikala was one of the six children, who began dabbling into arts from a very young age. Shashikala has two daughters from her marriage with Om Prakash Saigal.
Shashikala was last seen in the 2005 release Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav, wherein she portrayed the role of a South African witness.
