Mumbai, Nov 24: Uma Devi, popularly known as Tun Tun, the rotund actress who brought a smile to many a lip with her inimitable flair for comedy, died today due to prolonged illness, family sources said. She was 80 and is survived by two sons, they added.
The actress, had been living a life of a recluse, for the past couple of years, industry sources said.
She was last spotted at the felicitation function of Cine Artiste Association, which honoured her for her significant contribution to the film industry.
Uma Devi, who began her career as singer in 1960's lent her voice for many films, including the hummable "Afsana Likh Rahi Hu".
She featured in more than 100 films.
Condoling her death, the president of Cine Artiste Association, Chandrashekhar said, "Her death is a major loss to film industry. He also recalled she had acted in his films, street singer, way back in 1965.”
Describing her as a wonderful actress, he said, that she was a versatile artiste, who rendered roles with great ease and perfection.
The actress, whose entry in films, provided a comic relief in many a tragic saga, rose on the popularity charts with her characteristic style.
The mischievous twinkle in her eye, her broad grin coupled with her obese and slow gait, succeeded in creating an impact of sorts, which was difficult for her predecessors to follow.
Tun Tun, who endeared herself to scores of fans through her perfect sense of timing and inimitable flair for comedy, was one of the most talented artistes to hit the Indian screen.
Born as Uma Devi Khatri in Uttar Pradesh, the actress was raised by her uncle after her parents passed away when she was very young.
The actress, who died here today, had no formal training in music, but picked up bits of film songs from the radio like many children of her age in those days. Known as the village tomboy, she boarded the train to Mumbai at the age of 13 to seek fresh pastures in the world of singing.
The famous music composer, Naushad, who was charmed by her rendition of Noorjehan classic 'Andhiyan Gham Ki Yun Chali, Bagh Ujar Ke Reh Gaye', ensured that she signed a contract with A R Kardar whose films Naushad scored for.
Her song 'Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon' from film 'Dard' became a runaway hit. 'Yeh Kaun Chala' a duet with Suraiya, also earned her recognition. Her songs in '48, 'Kahin Jiya Dole' and 'Dil Ko Lagake Kuch Bhi Na Paya' became a rage.
Bureau Report