Veteran Marathi actress and filmmaker Smita Talwalkar, 59, passed away in Mumbai this morning.
She was being treated for ovarian cancer in Jaslok hospital in the city.
Widely acclaimed for her performance in films like Chavkat Raja, Tu Tithe Me, and Saat Chya Aat Gharat, the late actress also won two National Film Awards as producer of the films Kalat Nakalat (1989) and Tu Tithe Mee (1998).
She also founded Talwalkars -- a prominent chain of fitness clubs -- in India.
Condoling the passing away of the veteran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that her demise is a major loss to the Marathi film industry.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan took to Twitter to pay his tribute too.
"Sad to hear about Smita Talwalkar. We lost a versatile actor n director. My tributes to her." he posted.
Several Marathi stars too paid tribute to Talwalkar.
"RIP Smitatai Talwalkar. Excellent actress,producer...human being.You, your serials & your films will be terribly missed Tai," Shreyas Talpade posted.
Image: Smita Talwalkar in Ya Gol Gol Dabyatla
