Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 1: Renowned Marathi theatre director, actor and filmmaker Vijaya Mehta passed away on Monday night after a prolonged illness. She was 92.
According to reports, Mehta breathed her last between 10 pm and 10.30 pm on June 30, marking the end of an illustrious career that left an indelible mark on Indian theatre and parallel cinema.
A towering figure in Marathi theatre, Mehta was celebrated for her work as a director, actor and mentor. She was among the founding members of Mumbai's acclaimed Rangayan theatre group, established along with playwright Vijay Tendulkar and actors Arvind Deshpande and Shriram Lagoo.
She received formal theatre training under legendary personalities Ibrahim Alkazi in Delhi and Adi Marzban in Mumbai, influences that helped shape her distinctive artistic vision.
Over the course of her career, Mehta received numerous honours, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1975. She also won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Rao Saheb (1986) and directed acclaimed films such as Pestonjee and Rao Saheb.
Actor Anupam Kher paid an emotional tribute to Mehta on social media, describing her as one of India's finest theatre minds and an exceptional filmmaker.
Recalling his experience of working with her in Rao Saheb and Pestonjee, Kher wrote that every rehearsal with Mehta reminded him of the depth of the acting craft.
"She never imposed her knowledge. She illuminated it. She never raised her voice. She raised your standards. Her discipline came wrapped in grace, her warmth in humility, and her brilliance in simplicity," he wrote.
Expressing his grief, Kher added that Mehta's guidance, generosity and affection had inspired generations of actors, directors and students.
"Thank you, Vijaya Bai, for reminding so many of us that acting is not about performing... it is about understanding life. You will always remain present in the countless lives you touched. Om Shanti," he said.
Vijaya Mehta is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Indian theatre, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of theatre practitioners and filmmakers.