Ashalata Wabgaonkar was a legendary actress of Marathi and Hindi cinema and theatre, most remembered for her films like “Apne Paraye (1980),” “Ahista Ahista (1981),” “Ankush (1986),” and Marathi films like “Umbartha,” “Sutradhar,” and “Navri Mile Navryala.”
Early Life and Career
On July 2, 1941, Ashalata Wabgaonkar was born in Goa. Her early education took place at St. Columba’s Girls High School in Mumbai, followed by a postgraduate degree in psychology from SNDT Women’s University. Her career in the performing arts took flight with Konkani and Marathi plays, where her talent quickly garnered attention.
The Marathi stage welcomed her with open arms, and she shone brightly in plays such as “Guntata Hridhya He,” “Varyavarchi Varaat,” and “Mahananda.” One of her other significant works was the musical play “Matsyagandha,” which marked a significant milestone in her theatrical journey.
Her debut in Hindi cinema came with a small role in Praksh Mehra’s “Zanjeer” in 1973. She followed it by films like Dhuen Ki Lakeer (1974), Chalte Chalte (1976), Udhar Ka Sindur (1976), Charandas (1977), Jeevan Mukt (1977), and Zalim (1979).
Her breakthrough came in 1980 with Basu Chatterjee‘s “Apne Paraye,” a performance that earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Ashalata then went on to act in many famous films, including “Ahista Ahista (1981),” “Dil-E-Nadaan (1982),” “Namak Halaal (1982),” “Subah (1982),” “Shaukeen (1982),” “Coolie (1983),” “Woh Saat Din (1983),” “Sadma (1983),” “Sharaabi (1984),” “Aaj Ki Awaaz (1984),” “Ghar Dwaar (1985),” “Ankush (1986),” “Sutradhar (1986),” “Marte Dam Tak (1987),” “Kamla Ki Maut (1989),” “Daata (1989),” “Prem Deewane (1992),” “Agni Sakshi (1996),” and many more.
“The Handome Vampire” – Vivian Dsena
Ashalata’s contributions were not confined to acting. She was also a trained classical singer and a respected figure in Marathi Natyasangeet. Her performances in Marathi films such as “Umbartha,” “Sutradhar,” and “Navri Mile Navryala” were met with great critical acclaim.
Some of her other notable Marathi films include Chandane Shimpit Ja (1982), Savitrichi Sun (1982), Navri Mile Navryala (1984), Vahinichi Maya (1985), Maphicha Sakshidar (1986), Pudhcha Paool (1986), Gammat Jammat (1987), Gholat Ghol (1988), Vidhilikhit (1989), Atmavishwas (1989), Chaukat Raja (1991), Maherchi Sadi (1991), Mayechi Sawli (1994), Durga Aali Ghara (1996), Savita Bano (2006), Pahila Paul (2007), Tinhisanja (2009), Mani Mangalsutra (2010), One Room Kitchen (2011), Sunrise (2014), Tinhi Sanja (2016) and many more.
Ashalata was a trained singer, training under Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki. Ashalata’s voice was first heard over the airwaves of All India Radio’s Mumbai station. She used to sing Konkani songs, enchanting listeners with her clear and expressive vocals.
One of the highlights of her singing career was her performance in the Marathi drama “Matsyagandha.” In this play, she sang songs such as “Garda Sabbhoti Ran Sajni Tu Tar Chafekali” and “Arthashunya Bhase Maja ha Kalaha Jeevanacha,” which became immensely popular.
Ashalata’s collaboration with the music duo Kalyanji-Anandji saw her performing as a singer in their orchestra. She shared the stage with legends like Mukesh and Hemant Kumar.
Personal Life
Ashalata wrote the book “Gard Sabhowati,” which offers a glimpse into her memories and experiences in the film industry.
Tragically, Ashalata’s life was cut short by COVID-19 on September 22, 2020. At the time of her death she was working on Marathi serial “Aai Mazi Kalubai.” Her passing was a significant loss to the arts community, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.
Ashalata Wabgaonkar on IMDB
