Classical danseuse Ashwini Ekbote died today after collapsing on stage during a performance in Pune, police said.
The 44-year-old, who had also acted in several plays, was performing at the Bharat Natyamandir in Pune this evening when she collapsed on stage, a police official said.
She was taken to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead, the official said.
Support honest journalist and advertise with usAshwini had made her debut with Akleche Kande (2001) and went on to star in Dumkata (2007) and Baavare Prem He (2014).
Tributes have begun pouring in on her tragic death.
Here are some early reactions;
This is extremely shocking!!! Dear friend Ashwini Ekbote no more! So young, so fit, so full of life..! RIP ???
— sonalikulkarni (@sonalikulkarni) October 22, 2016
Very sad news this Saturday. We mourn the passing of #AshwiniEkbote – so young, so much will be missed https://t.co/GukmFXtRDd
— mainakde (@mainakde) October 22, 2016
Very sad news…Marathi actress Ashwini ekbote passed away.! #RIP ? pic.twitter.com/wSn1vMdBA5
— AnikeT KshirsagaR (@AniKshirsagar) October 22, 2016
She always treated me like a son on set. My first casting of script. Jus can't accept that she is no more. RIP #AshwiniEkbote pic.twitter.com/5VFRSje4Hn
— Bhagyesh Desai (@DesaiBhagyesh) October 22, 2016
Rest In Peace ?? #Ashwini_Ekbote Ma'am
— ती आणि ती ची Priyanka ?? (@GhatalPriyanka) October 22, 2016
Today We Lost One Of the Best Actress of Marathi Film Industry ….ASHWINI EKBOTE…..BHAWPURN SHADHANJALI ????? pic.twitter.com/sJmQB9OpMt
— Jadhav Ganesh (@4fe36f61d8d7466) October 22, 2016
More to follow