Dimple Kapadia's younger sister Simple Kapadia died in a Mumbai hospital on Tuesday after she could no longer win the race against a deadly disease that she was fighting with for the last three years.

The 50-year old veteran actress and constume designer was living with Dimple for quite some time.

A source close to the family said, "The family was under terrible stress because of Simple's illness. They never spoke about it then and they will not speak about it even now."

Director Rahul Dholakia, who was present along with Dimple Kapadia when Simple breathed her last, said, "My friend is no more. I really can't talk."

Simple made her debut in the Hindi film industry with in 1977 with Anurodh.

She also worked in movies such as Dulha Bikta Hai, Tumhare Bina, Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai, Pyar Ke Do Pal, Lootmaar, Jeevan Dhaara, Naseeb, Chakravuyha, Shakka, Man Pasand, Hum Rahe Na Hum, Ahsaas and Rehguzar.

But, she failed to set up herself as a well-known actress. Later, she started working as a costume designer.

"Akshay Kumar (Dimple's son-in-law) is returning from Baramati, where he is shooting for Priyadarshan's next film," a source said.

Bollywood has expressed its shock at the early death of the actress.