Nadira, the Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh girl, died this morning in hospital after a prolonged illness.
The 75-year-old actress was diagnosed with tuberculosis meningitis after she suffered a stroke and was admitted to Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo, last month.
Perhaps her most famous role was that of a vamp in the Raj Kapoor starrer Shree 420. She acted in 63 films, among them such hits like Pakeezah, Julie and Sagar.
Nadira, whose real name was Florence, lived alone in Vasundhara building, near Mahalaxmi Temple, assisted only by a domestic help.
She has a brother who is in the United States and another who is in Israel.
Deepti Naval, the actress's closest friend for two decades who was in regular contact with her, had been optimistic about Nadira's recovery.
''She was the closest person in Mumbai for me,'' Deepti said. ''Every morning at 7.30, either one of us would call each other and talk. This is like losing a family member. There will not be another Aapa, right?''
Among some other close friends were Nimmi, Tanuja and Shyama.
Her first film was Aan in 1952, the last Josh, directed by Mansoor Khan, in 2002.
Mansoor Khan remembered Nadira as a very strong and candid person. ''Even at her age, when I worked with her she was very energetic. What more can I say,'' Khan said.
''Nadia was a great woman, but was left living alone. She was our dear family friend,'' said fellow actor Chandrashekhar.
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
CID
8