Veteran actress Dina Pathak passes away

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">MUMBAI: Veteran film actress and a doyen of Gujarati theatre, Dina Pathak, who essayed variety of roles with natural ease and elan, passed away after prolonged illness on Friday. <br />She was 82 and is survived by two daughters Ratna and Supriya.<br />Pathak passed away this evening at her daughter Ratna''s Bandra residence, family sources said.<br />Pathak''s flair for comedy came through as she successfully enacted the role of an adhoc mother in the hilarious comedy film, <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Golmaal</span>.Her role of a middle-aged woman who steps in as ''mother'' to a young unemployed man tickled the humorous vein of many cinegoers.<br />Her much remembered portrayal of a no nonsense and dictatorial matriarch, who lays down strict rules in the household, in the film <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Khubsoorat</span> saw her popularity rising.<br />Pathak''s strong performance as the mother of a courtesan in <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Umrao Jaan</span> as well as the matriarchal supporter of young vulnerable women in the art film <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Mirch Masala</span> earned her a large fan following.<br />Her ability lay in bringing to fore a mixed range of emotions, be it anger, compassion, turmoil or even a tragedy which struck women. Her silver-haired and rotund appearance earned her an image of a ''lovable mother and grandmother''.<br />The veteran actress also created a niche for herself in the world of Gujarati films and theatre by her excellent acting style. Her notable Gujarati films include <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Moti Ba, Malela Jeev, Bhawani Bhavai</span> while her well known plays include <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Dinglegar</span> and <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Doll''s House</span>.<br />Her funeral will be held at 11 AM on Saturday. </div> </div>