Anita Guha, who played the role of 'Santoshi Ma' in the 1975 blockbuster 'Jai Santoshi Ma', has died in Mumbai following cardiac failure.

The actress, who was in her 70s and ailing for some time, died at a private hospital following cardiac failure after midnight, hospital sources said.

Guha, who came to Mumbai from Bengal to appear in a national beauty pageant in the 50s when she was 15, stayed back to play major roles in several films.

She became a household name when she played the role of Sita in the film 'Sampoorna Ramayan'. This was followed by 'Jai Santoshi Ma' which was a huge hit at the box office.

Guha played major roles in films like 'Purnima' (1965), 'Pyar Ki Rahen' (1959), 'Gateway of India' (1957), 'Dekh Kabira Roya' (1957) and 'Sanjog' (1961).

The last film had the memorable track by Madan Mohan sung by Lata Mangeshkar -- 'Woh bhooli dastan lo phir yaad aa gayee.'

Guha did not have any children but counted yesteryear actresses Mala Sinha and Helen among her friends.