Veteran Marathi actor Ashalata Wabgaonkar died at a hospital in Satara, Maharashtra on Tuesday, after she tested positive for coronavirus.

The 79-year-old actor had reportedly gone to Satara to shoot for her Marathi TV serial Aai Kalubai where she tested positive for the virus, last week.

As per PTI reports, she was undergoing treatment at the private hospital in Satara since September 17. A senior doctor from the hospital said, “Her condition worsened on Monday evening and she was put on ventilator support. She breathed her last today morning.”

Following the veteran actor’s demise, condolences started pouring in on social media.

Actor Renuka Shahane tweeted in Marathi, “I am deeply saddened today. Covid has claimed the life of a very beautiful soul. She was an extremely caring, loving, sensitive and brilliant actress. She always used to bless me like her own child. May her soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences.”

Goa’s CM Pramod Sawant offered tributes to the late actor, who was originally from Goa. “We have lost one of the greatest artist of Goa. Remembering her wonderful performances and contribution to Indian cinema,” he tweeted.

Ashalata, who went on to act in over 100 Marathi and Hindi films, was introduced in Hindi films by Basu Chatterjee in ‘Apne Paraye’ and was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. 

Shabana Azmi, who shared the screen with her on the same film, tweeted, “I had the pleasure of working with Ashalataji in Basu Chatterjee’s Apne Paraye and she was a delight to work with. Condolences to the family.”

The celebrated actor’s filmography also boasts of films such as ‘Ankush’, ‘Ahista Ahista’, ‘Woh Saat Din’, ‘Shaukeen’, ‘Namak Halaal’ and ‘Yaadon Ki Kasam’, among a few others. She was also known for her work in Marathi cinema and in theatre.