Renowned Marathi and theatre actress Ashalata Wabgaonkar passed away on Tuesday at a private hospital in Satara, due to Coronavirus. The actress was undergoing treatment for COVID-19. This news has left the entire Marathi industry in shock.
According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, the actress has contracted the deadly virus on the sets of her TV show ‘Aai Majhi Kalubai’. Along with the actress, around 20 to 22 crew members also tested positive for the coronavirus and are currently quarantined at home, however, Ashalata was the only one who was said to be critical.
The report further states that a dance group was called from Mumbai for the shooting of a song and the virus was contracted through them.
The news was shared by the former chief minister of Goa, Digamabar Kamat on Twitter on Tuesday morning, he tweeted as: “Deeply pained by the passing away of acclaimed Goan Artist Ashalata Wabgaonkar. Her splendid performances in theatre & films will keep inspiring the generations to come. My condolences to her family & fans. May her soul rest in peace.”
Renuka Shahane also mourned the loss of Ashalata, she wrote in Marathi, “Today has been a frustrating day. Kovidni took a very beautiful life. Ashalata Tai merged into infinity. Extremely kind, loving, sensitive, great artist. Peace be upon the soul of Ashalata Tai, who has always blessed me by saying “Baby”. A heartfelt tribute”
The veteran actress has acted in more than 100 Hindi and Marathi movies, she started off her career with Konkani and Marathi plays. She made her Bollywood debut with the Basu Chatterjee directorial Apne Paraye, which won her a Filmfare Award.
May her soul rest in peace!