Veteran playback singer and actress Sulakshana Pandit has passed away at the age of 71, marking a heartfelt loss for the Indian music and film industry. The beloved artist breathed her last on Thursday evening after a prolonged illness, her family confirmed. Her final rites will be held on Friday afternoon at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, as loved ones and admirers gather to bid farewell to one of India’s most soulful voices.
Sulakshana Pandit was part of a family deeply woven into the fabric of Indian music. She was the sister of popular music composer duo Jatin-Lalit and yesteryear actress Vijayta Pandit. Her songs defined an era — from the evergreen “Bekrar Dil Tu Gaye Ja” and “Somwar Ko Hum Mile Mangalwar Ko Nain” with Kishore Kumar, to the melodious “Pardesiya Tere Desh Mein” with Mohammed Rafi, her voice carried both tenderness and timeless charm. She and Rafi created several memorable duets like “Sona Re Tujhe Kaise Miloon,” “Yeh Pyara Lage Tera Chehra,” and “Jab Aati Hogi Yaad Meri.”
Her collaboration with Lata Mangeshkar on “Saat Samundar Paar” remains unforgettable, while her performance of “Tu Hi Sagar Tu Hi Kinara” from the film Sankalp earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 1976. Beyond her singing career, Sulakshana also made her mark as an actress, debuting in Uljhan (1975) opposite Sanjeev Kumar, with whom she reportedly shared a warm bond. She later appeared in films like Hera Pheri (1976), Dharam Kanta (1982), Do Waqt Ki Roti (1988), and Goraa (1987).
In a poignant coincidence, Sulakshana’s passing came just a day after the 40th death anniversary of Sanjeev Kumar, her co-star and close friend, with whom she shared many fond memories.
With her demise, Indian cinema has lost one of its most melodious voices — a singer who could make hearts ache and heal in a single note. Sulakshana Pandit’s music will forever echo through generations, her songs remaining a beautiful reminder of the golden era of Hindi film music.