Actress Pallavi Joshi said veteran actress Sulabha Deshpande, who died on Saturday, was a motherly figure to her and her passing away is a great loss to the industry.

"She was such a wonderful person I am so disturbed ever since I have heard this news. We have worked together a lot and I remember 'Alpviram' was the longest serial we have done together," Pallavi, who had shared much screen space with Sulabha, told IANS.

"She was a motherly figure to me and it's certainly a great loss to the industry. I had spoken to her few months back over phone but she was not well for a while," she added.

The last rites of Sulabha, who died at her home here, will take place on Sunday afternoon.

The actress, who was 80, is known for films including "Bhumika", "Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan", "English Vinglish" as well as many TV serials and plays.

(Source: IANS)