Mumbai: Uma Devi, popularly known as Tun Tun, the rotund actress who brought a smile to many a lip with her inimitable flair for comedy, passed away today (Nov 24) due to prolonged illness, family sources said.

She was 80 and is survived by two sons, the sources added.

The actress had been living a life of a recluse for the past couple of years, industry sources said.

She was last spotted at the felicitation function of Cine Artiste Association, which honoured her for her significant contribution to the film industry.

Uma Devi, who began her career as singer in 1960s lent her voice for many films, including the hummable "Afsana likh rahi hu".

She featured in more than 100 films as an actress as a comedian, sources said.

Condoling her death, the president of Cine Artiste Association Chandrashekhar said, "Her death is a major loss to film industry." He also recalled she had acted in his film, 'Street Singer', way back in 1965.

Describing her as a wonderful actress, he said that she was a versatile artiste, who rendered roles with great ease and perfection.

The actress, whose entry in films provided a comic relief in many a tragic saga, rose on the popularity charts with her own characteristic acting style.

The mischievous twinkle in her eye, her broad grin couple with her obese and slow gait, succeeded in creating an impact of sorts, which was difficult for her predecessors to follow.

PTI