At her passing in April 2021, Shashikala had a net worth estimated between $1–3 million—accumulated through a prolific six-decade career in over 100 Hindi films and later television, as well as stage work. She began as a child performer in Solapur and moved to Bombay, debuting in 1945 with 'Zeenat'. Known for memorable supporting and negative roles in classics like 'Aarti', 'Gumrah', 'Khubsoorat', 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi', and 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', she was awarded two Filmfare Awards and received the Padma Shri in 2007.
Lesser Known Facts
She started performing at age 5 in village melas in Solapur and did household chores in Bombay to support her family.
Her debut pay for 'Zeenat' was just Rs 25; she later theatre-wrote for roles to sustain herself.
She lived in Mumbai’s chawls for 25 years before rising to fame & later worked with Mother Teresa in Kolkata for a decade.