Vijaya Mehta Death News: Veteran Marathi actress Vijaya Mehta dies at 91 | Marathi Movie News
Veteran theater director, actor and producer Vijaya Mehtaone of the greatest figures in modern Marathi theatre, died on Tuesday at the age of 91. He rested his last at his home, leaving behind a rich legacy that changed the face of Indian theatre.Popularly known as “Bai” within theatre, Mehta’s death has sent shockwaves through Marathi film and theatre, with artists and admirers remembering him as a pioneer who redefined theater and storytelling.
A pioneer of Marathi practice
Born as Vijaya Jaywant on November 4, 1934, in Baroda (now Vadodara), Gujarat, Mehta graduated from the University of Mumbai and was trained by renowned actors Ebrahim Alkazi and Adi Marzban. His later concentration in theater would help create one of India’s greatest artistic movements after independence.In the 1960s, he founded the Rangayan theater group along with playwright Vijay Tendulkar and actors Shriram Lagoo and Arvind Deshpande. The troupe became the leading experimental group in Maharashtra, challenging conventional theater and introducing bold and modern narratives.
The classic shows that revolutionized Indian theatre
Mehta’s performance in CT Khanolkar’s Ek Shoonya Bajirao is considered a landmark in contemporary Indian theatre. He also introduced the works of Bertolt Brecht to the Marathi audience through his adaptation of The Caucasian Chalk Circle, titled Ajab Nyay Vartulacha. His productions of Barrister, Shakuntal, Hamidabaichi Kothi and Mother are still loved for their creativity and depth.His contributions continued in India through Indo-German theater projects with international artists, helping to introduce Indian theater to a wider audience around the world.
Famous work in cinema
Although theater remained his first love, Vijaya Mehta made a big impact on Indian cinema as well. She appeared in popular films like Kalyug and Party, earning critical acclaim for her performance.As a filmmaker, he has directed notable works including Rao Saheb and Pestonjee, both of which are regarded as milestones in Indian cinema.
Respected work and high rewards
In a career that has spanned more than six years, Mehta has received many accolades. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Direction in 1975 and was later honored with the META Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian theatre. She also received the Padma Shri in 1986, won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for Rao Saheb, the Best Actress award at the Asia Pacific Film Festival for Party, and was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Tagore Ratna in 2012.
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