Ashalata Wabgaonkar, the veteran actress in the Marathi film industry, passed away on early hours of Tuesday. She was 79. Popularly known as Ashalata, the actress tested COVID-19 positive, along with other crew members of the ongoing Sony Marathi TV channel show 'Aai Majhi Kalubai'. She died after a 4-day battle with her illness at a private hospital in Satara.

Former Chief Minister of Goa, Digambar Kamat, confirmed the news in a tweet. He paid a tribute to the Goa-born actress and wrote, "Deeply pained by the passing away of acclaimed Goan Artist Ashalata Wabgaonkar. Her splendid performances in theatre & films will keep inspiring the generations to come. My condolences to her family & fans. May her soul rest in peace."