Lalita Pawar's Death Anniversary: Lalita's Journey to Negative Roles

Lalita Pawar, born on April 18, 1916, in Nashik, was a renowned actress known for her role as Manthara in the iconic TV series Ramayana, directed by Ramanand Sagar

Starting her career at just 12 years old, Lalita, originally named Amba Laxman Rao, debuted in the silent film Raja Harishchandra in 1928 and was paid Rs 18 for her performance

Besides acting, Lalita was a talented singer, with her song "Neel abha me pyara gulab rahe" from the 1935 film Himmate Mardaan gaining immense popularity

Her promising career faced a setback in 1942 when a shooting incident caused paralysis on the right side of her body, disfiguring her face and leading to a temporary halt in her career

Despite these challenges, Lalita made a comeback in 1948 with a role in the film Grihasthi, directed by SM Yusuf, showcasing her resilience and determination

Lalita was married twice, first to Ganpat Rao Pawar and later to producer Rajprakash Gupta, highlighting her personal life amidst her professional journey

In 1990, she was diagnosed with jaw cancer, which affected her health and memory, further complicating her later years

Lalita Pawar passed away on February 24, 1998, in Pune, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering actress who overcame personal and professional adversities to make her mark in Indian cinema and television