It's the end of Tabassum's era. The veteran actress and renowned talk show host breathed her last at the age of 78. Reportedly, Tabassum suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away last evening. The news of her demise was confirmed by her granddaughters, Karishma Govil and Khushi Govil.
Karishma, who collaborated with her grandmother on many projects, shared a picture with her and wrote, "Tabassum mein ghum ko chhupao toh jaane, humaari tarah muskurao toh jaane. Rest in peace, dadiji. Your smile, tenacity and legacy will live forever." Khushi wrote, "Aaj hase kal rula na dena (sic)."
The Govil family has organised a prayer meet for the veteran actress on November 21. Issuing an official statement, the family said, "Tabassum Govil, who left for her heavenly abode on 18.11.22." It further read, "We pray for her peaceful journey to heaven and always celebrate her legacy and beautiful smile that we will adore forever."
In April last year, Tabassum was diagnosed with COVID-19. Hitting back at fake rumours of her demise, the actress said on Instagram, "Thank you for all the good wishes. I'm absolutely fine, healthy and with my family. The rumour that is surfacing is incorrect. I pray that everyone is safe at home."
Popularly known as Baby Tabassum, Kiran Bala Sachdev made her film debut as a child actor with Nargis (1947). She also appeared in the childhood role of Meena Kumari in Baiju Bawra (1952). The first and longest-running talk show in India, Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan, was hosted by her. In 2006, she returned to television and acted in the daily soap titled Pyaar Ke Do Naam: Ek Raadha, Ek Shyaam. Recently, she started her own YouTube channel and did a talk show titled Tabassum Talkies.
Tabassum was married to Vijay Govil, the elder brother of Ramayan actor Arun Govil. She is survived by her husband, son Hoshang, daughter-in-law Hemali, granddaughters Karishma-Khushi and grandsons-in-law.
(Source: Instagram)
