Actor-singer Ruma Guha Thakurta, who featured in films such as “Jwar Bhata”, “Ganga” and “36 Chowringhee Lane” while straddling an equally successful playback career, died in her sleep early Monday aged 84, family sources said.
Ruma, the first wife of actor-singer Kishore Kumar, passed away at her Ballygunge Place residence in the city. She was suffering from age-related ailments.
She is survived by two sons and a daughter.
“She passed away in her sleep early this morning. Our family doctor confirmed it. The timing of her death could be between 6 and 6.15 am,” said Ayan Guha Thakurta, her son from her second marriage.
“Dada (Amit) is coming here this evening. He will be taking all the decisions (about her last rites),” Ayan said.
She had returned to Kolkata only a month ago after staying with Amit Kumar in Mumbai for three months.
Her last rites will be performed with state honours and a gun salute, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said after visiting her residence.
“As per the wishes of the family, her body will be kept here at her home for admirers to come and pay their last respect,” Banerjee said.
Ruma, whose film career spans over 60 years, was born on November 3, 1934, in Kolkata.
She started her career as a dancer before moving to the then Bombay where she married singer Kishore Kumar in the early 1950s but they got divorced in 1958.
She later married writer-director Arup Guha Thakurta and had two children – singers Sromona and Ayan.
