Sulochna devi Latkar

Sulochna devi Latkar ( birth name Rangu Diwan Nagabai ) acted in more than 300 Marathi and Hindi films and played the role of an affectionate indian mother to legendary heroes including Sunil Dutt, Rajesh Khanna, Dev Anand, Shashi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan .
Sulochana Devi was born on July 30, 1928, in Khadaklat village near Kolhapur. At the age of fifteen, she married Aabasaheb Chavan, belonging to a land lord family .
Her acting journey was shaped under the guidance of the legendary Marathi film-maker Bhalji Pendharkar who being strucked by her expressive eyes gave her the screen name of Sulochna , a Sanskrit word meaning “ the one with beautiful eyes “ and acted in several Marathi films .
In 1940s , she ventured in to hindi films and played the role of heroine to the then top heroes like Ashok kumar , Trilok kapoor and Prithviraj Kapoor.
Later in her career, She often played as mother or as a close relative of heroes in Hindi films e.g Heera, Jhoola, Ek Phool Char Kante, Sujatha, Mehrbaan , Chirag, Bhai Bahen , Reshma Aur Shera, Umar Qaid, Muqabla, Jaani Dushman and Badle Ki Aag with Sunil dutt .
She also acted as mother or close relative of Dev Anand in his films e.g Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai, Pyar Mohabbat, Duniya , Jhonny Mera Naam, Amir Garib, Warrant and Joshila.
Further Since 1969, she often played similar role in Rajesh Khanna’s famous films like Dil Daulat Duniya, Bahraon Ke Sapne, Doli, Kati Patang, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Prem Nagar, Aakraman, Bhola Bhala, Tyaag, Aashiq Hoon Baharaon Ka and Adhikar .
Her other best known films include Nai Roshni , Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Aaye Milan Ki Bela, Ab Dilli Dur Nahin, Majboor, Gora Aur Kala, Devar, Bandini, Kahani Kismat Ki, Talaash and Azaad .
She along with Nirupa Roy epitomized the “mother” roles right from 1959 until the early 1990s.
Sulochana devi was renowned for her portrayal of a warm and nurturing mother and left an indelible mark with her fine performances . She had often expressed her fondness for portraying motherly roles to actors and shared a bond with them.
In fact , she along with Nirupa Roy are considered as the “ Mothers of Bollywood “ and epitomising the values of indian motherhood .
Sulochna devi was recipient of the civilian honour of Padma Shri in 1999 . She was also awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. In 2009, she was awarded the Maharashtra Bhushan Award by the Government of Maharashtra.
She retired from acting in 1988 and died from respiratory failure at Shushrusha Hospital in Dadar, Mumbai, on 4 June 2023 at the age of 94 and her cremation was performed at Shivaji Park crematorium with full state honours.
*The honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tributes to the great veteran actress and said . *
“The passing of Sulochana Ji leaves a big void in the world of Indian cinema. Her unforgettable performances have enriched our culture and have endeared her to people across generations. Her cinematic legacy will live on through her works,” .

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Five stars