Actor Reema Lagoo, one of Bollywood’s most famous on-screen mothers, passed away here on Thursday after suffering a heart attack. She was 59. She is survived by daughter Mrunmayee, who is also an actor and theatre director. Reema was rushed to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after she complained of chest pain on Wednesday night.
“She was complaining of chest pain so we took her to hospital around 1 am. She passed away due to a heart attack around 3.15 am. It is shocking for all of us,” said Vinay Waikul, her son-in-law. She was well known for playing the mother’s role in hit movies like Maine Pyar Kiya, Qayamat se Qayamat Tak, Saajan, Hum Aapke Hain Ko6un, Vaastav, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Hum Saath-Saath Hain.
Reema’s journey in acting began from theatre and graduated to films and television. During her career spanning over three decades, she worked with top actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Juhi Chawla, Kajol, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Preity Zinta.
Born as Gurinder Bhadbhade to theatre actor Mandakini, Reema changed her name after marrying actor Vivek Lagoo. The couple separated a few years later.
She worked in popular TV serials like Khandaan, Do aur Do Paanch, Tu Tu Main Main and Shrimaan Shrimati. She was last seen in the television show Naamkaran. She also acted in several Marathi serials and films.
In the early days while pursuing her acting career, Reema had worked with the Union Bank of India and had also taken part in the textile agitation. “She would be remembered by all the bank employees,” AIBEA leader Vishwas Utagi said.
Published 18 May 2017, 19:46 IST