Renowned actor-director Vijaya Mehta, who was one of the most prominent names in Marathi theatre and a formidable presence in 80s’ parallel cinema, passed away after prolonged illness at her residence on Tuesday, June 30. Vijay Kenkre, who worked as her chief assistant on one of her TV shows Lifeline, confirmed the news. She was 91 years old at the time of her demise.

Born Vijaya Jaywant on November 4, 1934, Vijaya spent her 20s training under renowned theatre figures like Ebrahim Alkazi and Adi Marzban after completing her graduation from University of Mumbai. A few years later, she co-founded the theatre group Rangayan alongside actors Shriram Lagoo and Arvind Deshpande and legendary playwright Vijay Tendulkar. Fondly known as ‘Bai,’ Vijaya left an indelible work on Marathi theatre over the next two decades in many ways.  Besides directing stage productions like Ek Shoonya Bajirao, which is now remembered as a landmark in Indian theatre, Vijaya also was a a part of many Indo-German theatre collaborations. Some of her other important stage productions include plays like Barrister, Hamidabaichi Kothi and Mother, and Shakuntal.

In the 80s, Vijaya also ventured into movies, both as an actor and writer-director, directing films like Rao Saheb (1986) and Pestonjee (1988). She also played a key role in Govind Nihlani’s films like Kalyug (1982) and Party (1984), with the latter winning her the Best Actress Award at the Asia Pacific Film Festival. 

Among the many accolades she receives for her work in theatre and cinema, Vijaya was also the recipient of Padma Shri in 1986 and The National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her film Rao Saheb (1986). 

Many renowned film and theatre figures, like Anupam Kher and Ronnie Screwwala, expressed their condolences upon Vijaya Mehta’s demise.