Veteran Singer and Actress Sulakshana Pandit Passes Away at 71

The Indian film fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its most versatile talents, Sulakshana Pandit, a veteran actress and acclaimed playback singer of the 1970s and 80s. She passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Mumbai following a cardiac arrest at the age of 71. Her demise was confirmed by her brother, music composer Lalit Pandit.

A Life Rooted in Musical Excellence

Born on July 12, 1954, in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, Sulakshana Pandit belonged to a family with an illustrious musical lineage. She was the niece of the legendary classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj and the sister of the popular music director duo, Jatin–Lalit, and actress Vijayta Pandit. Her journey into music began early, making her playback singing debut as a child in 1967 with the duet ‘Saat Samandar Paar Se’ alongside Lata Mangeshkar for the film Taqdeer.

Her voice, celebrated for its richness and emotional depth, gave Bollywood some unforgettable tracks. A career highlight was her soulful rendition of ‘Tu Hi Saagar Hai Tu Hi Kinara’ from the 1975 film Sankalp, which earned her the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer. Other notable songs include ‘Beqarar dil tu gaaye ja’ from Door Ka Rahi and ‘Bandhi Re Kahe Preet’ from Sankoch.

Establishing Herself on the Silver Screen

Sulakshana Pandit successfully transitioned to acting, making her debut in the suspense thriller Uljhan in 1975, opposite Sanjeev Kumar. She quickly established herself as a leading lady and worked with nearly all the major stars of the era, including Rajesh Khanna (Bundal Baaz), Vinod Khanna (Hera Pheri), Jeetendra (Apnapan, Khandaan), and Shashi Kapoor (Salaakhen). She showcased her versatility across various genres, proving her mettle as a double threat in the film industry.

Personal Tragedy and Withdrawal from Limelight

The talented artist’s promising career, however, was tragically curtailed by personal grief. Sulakshana Pandit was reportedly deeply in love with her co-star Sanjeev Kumar. His refusal to marry her, and his untimely death on November 6, 1985, left her emotionally shattered. In a poignant coincidence, she passed away on the same date, exactly 40 years later.

The consecutive deaths of Sanjeev Kumar and, soon after, her mother, took a severe toll on her health, leading her to withdraw from the film industry and public life. Her unwavering, unrequited love for Sanjeev Kumar led her to remain unmarried for the rest of her life. In her later years, she battled health issues, including a broken hip bone that led to multiple surgeries, further limiting her public appearances.

A Legacy of Melody and Grace

The news of Sulakshana Pandit’s passing has elicited an outpouring of condolences from the film and music communities. She is remembered not just for her contributions as an actress but primarily as a singer who brought a unique and heartfelt texture to Hindi film music. Her work—both on and off-screen—leaves behind a legacy of grace, talent, and an emotionally resonant story of a devoted artist who chose a life of solitude following heartbreak.