Ashalata Wabgaonkar (English: Ashalata Wabgaonkar, born- 2 July 1941; died- 22 September 2020) was one of the famous actresses of Marathi and Hindi films. She left an indelible mark on the big screen with her brilliant acting in many films. She became a household name with her many serials on Doordarshan. She was originally known as Ashalata. Ashalata Wabgaonkar was a resident of Goa and was associated with the Goa Hindu Association. She first started acting in Konkani and Marathi plays.
Ashalata Wabgaonkar was born on July 2, 1941 in Goa. She worked in more than 100 films. Along with acting, she also sang songs for Marathi films. She was famous as a Marathi singer, playwright and film actress.
Ashalata Wabgaonkar received her early education at St. Colombo High School, Girgaon, Mumbai. After 12th, she also worked part time in the ministry for some time. During this time, she completed her graduation and post graduation in arts. She did her MA in psychology from Nathibai Damodar Thackeray Women’s University. She also sang some Konkani songs on the Mumbai center of All India Radio.[1]
Asha Lata Wabgaonkar had also done many great Hindi films. Her first Bollywood film was ‘Zanjeer’. In this film, Asha Lata Wabgaonkar played the role of Amitabh Bachchan’s step mother. This film was released in the year 1973. Asha Lata Wabgaonkar got real recognition in Bollywood from Basu Chatterjee’s film ‘Apne Paraye’. She received the Filmfare co-star award for this film.[2]
Asha Lata started her dramatic career in the role of Revati in the play ‘Sangit Senshaikolol’ presented by ‘The Goa Hindu Association’. The Marathi play ‘Matsyagandha’ proved to be a milestone in Asha Lata’s acting career. In this, she also sang the songs ‘Gard Sabbhoti Chali Sajni Tu Tar Chafkali’, ‘Arthshunya Bose Majhala Kala Jeevan’.[1]
Ashalata Wabgaonkar died on 22 September 2020. She was admitted to a private hospital in Satara, Maharashtra after being found corona infected. According to the family, she had come to Satara to shoot for her Marathi serial ‘Aai Kalubai’. Here she was tested after symptoms of corona were found. After confirmation of infection and difficulty in breathing, she was admitted to the ICU.
Confirming the death of Ashalata Wabgaonkar, actress Renuka Shahane tweeted in Marathi. She wrote, ‘Today was a disappointing day. Corona virus took away a very beautiful life. Ashalata Tai has merged into eternity. Extremely kind, loving, sensitive and a great artist. May the soul of Ashalata Tai rest in peace, who has always blessed me by calling me ‘baby’. Heartfelt tribute.'[3]
