Veteran actor Rita Bhaduri, best known for her roles in films like "Hero No 1" and "Beta", passed away today morning after suffering cardiac arrest at Sujoy Hospital in suburban Juhu. She was hospitalised for over two weeks. She was 62.

"She was suffering from kidney ailment and organs had become weak. She passed away this morning after suffering a cardiac arrest at about 1.45 am," her niece Mini Bhaduri told PTI. Actor Shishir Sharma took to Facebook to inform about her demise.

"We deeply regret to inform you that Rita Bhaduri has departed for her journey beyond. The funeral rites will be held on July 17, Tuesday 12 noon at the Cremation Ground, Parsi Wada Road, Parshiwada, Chakala, Andheri East. Extremely sad.. lost a wonderful human being. A mother to many of us.. Will miss you Ma," he wrote.

"I got a message from her niece, which I saw today early morning. It is saddening to hear that she is no more with us. We have acted in 'Kumkum', where she played my mother, she was really like a mother to us," Shishir told PTI.

The funeral rites will be held on today, at 12 noon at the Cremation Ground, Parsi Wada Road, Parshiwada, Chakala, Andheri East. The TV industry is mourning the death of the actor. 

Many actors took to their Twitter handles and expressed their deep grief on the loss of a 'great actor'.

Riteish Deshmukh: She was part of so many films that I grew up on. Will always remember her for the warmth in her smile & her performances. Condolences to the family & loved ones. RIP #RitaBadhuri ji 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

 

Anil Kapoor: #RitaBhaduri was one of the finest actresses that #FTII gave us. I had the honour of working with her in Ghar Ho to Aisa, Beta & Viraasat & I'm really saddened to hear about her passing...She will be dearly missed by her friends, family & fans...

Aashka Goradia: The world of art has lost a kind soul! Besides being a great actor, she was a great human being. Rest In Peace #RitaBhaduri. Will miss seeing your work. #RIP

Vivek Dahiya: Woke up to this news! A brilliant actress and a quintessential mother on screen. Saddened and at loss of words! #RIP #RitaBadhuri

 

In the 1970s, Rita entered Hindi film industry as a supporting actor. People loved her work. She was even nominated for Filmfare award in the Best Supporting Actor category for her role in Madhuri Dixit's Raja. Rita also shared screen space with Saif Ali Khan and Satish Shah in 1993 movie Aashiq Awara.

Rita also acted in Bhojpuri film titled Ganga Se Naata Ba Hamaar with actor Oankaj Sharma. She was a part of many popular TV shows like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Choti Bahu, Kumkum, Khichdi and many others.