RIP! Veteran Actress Shashikala Passes Away At 88

Shashikala Om Prakash Saigal, who played supporting roles in several films, passed away on April 4.

Shashikala Om Prakash Saigal worked in several films (PIC Credit: Instagram)

Veteran actress Shashikala Om Prakash Saigal, who worked in several Hindi films, left for her heavenly abode on Sunday (April 4). She was 88. Shashikala started working at a young age to support her family. She was fondly known for playing supporting roles in several Bollywood films.

Congress leader Praful Patel took to social media to mourn the demise of the actress. He expressed his grief and offered condolences to her family on Twitter.

“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,” Patel wrote on the micro-blogging site.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh tweeted, "#Shashikala no more. She was among the last from that Golden Age genre of Bollywood. RIP. Kyon Mujhe Itni Khushi De Di Ke Ghabrata Hai Dil."

Several Bollywood celebs including Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani offered condolences to Shashikala's family.

"Saddened to learn about the demise of veteran actress Shashikala Ji. May she rest in peace. My deepest condolences and prayers are with her family and friends," Sidhwani tweeted.

Shashikala Films

The veteran actress featured in a number of films including 'Neela Aakash', 'Chhoti Si Mulaqat', 'Shatranj', 'Ahista Ahista', to name a few. She also played roles in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' and 'Baadshah'. Shashikala was seen as Salman Khan's on-screen grandmother in 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'. The romantic comedy film also starred Priyanka Chopra and Akshay Kumar.

Shashikala also worked in TV shows like 'Son Pari' and 'Dil Deke Dekho'. She stopped working in films and TV shows due to her ill health.

Shashikala was bestowed with the Padma Shri Award in 2007 for her contribution to Indian cinema. The 'Khubsoorat' actress received eight nominations in the category of Best Supporting Actress at Filmfare Awards. She won the award twice for ‘Aarti’ (1962) and ‘Gumrah’ (1963).

We extend our deepest condolences to Shashikala’s family.