Veteran actress Surekha Sikri passed away on Friday morning due to cardiac arrest. She was 75. The National Award-winning actress' agent Vivek Sidhwani released a statement informing that she was battling complications as a result of a second brain stroke. He said, "Three-time National Award winning actress, Surekha Sikri has passed away following a cardiac arrest earlier this morning at the age of 75. She had been suffering from complications arising from a second brain stroke." He added, "She was surrounded by family and her caregivers. The family asks for privacy at this time."

Surekha Sikri had suffered a brain stroke in 2019 and spoke about it during an interview saying she was waiting to fully recover before resuming work once again. The actress who took home the National Award for her performance in Badhaai Ho, in an interview to Hindustan Times in 2019, said about her health condition: "I had a brain stroke ten months ago and I have been recovering since then. I fell down and hit my head in the bathroom while shooting in Mahableshwar. I have not been able to work due to my illness. The doctors say that I will be alright soon."

The Best Supporting Actress National Award win for Badhaai Ho in 2019 was Surekha Sikri's third National Award win. She had previously won a National Award for Tamas in 1988 and once again for Mammo in 1995. Having graduated from the National School of Drama, the acclaimed performer was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1989. Surekha went on to become a household name for her portrayal of the strict daadi in the TV show Balika Vadhu, while also being lauded for her performances in films like Zubeidaa, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, Raincoat and was last seen in the Zoya Akhtar-directed segment in Netflix's anthology Ghost Stories.

Very Sad news !!! One of the greatest talent Surekha Sikari ji passed away leaving behind so many great performances in theatre and cinema!! She was a treat to watch on stage.can’t forget some of those memories of her act in theatre.great craft and a graceful person!! RIP🙏🙏

— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) July 16, 2021

There is no one like her. Absolutely no one. What an extraordinary woman. An artist par excellence. Those eyes and that smile 🤩 Her craft will inspire generations of performers. Was lucky to have the chance to witness her magic in person 🙏🏻✨ #RIPSurekhaSikri pic.twitter.com/UXxXKUNdVK

— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) July 16, 2021