Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mourned the death of legendary Marathi theater personality Vijaya Mehta, who passed away at his residence in Mumbai at the age of 91. A prominent figure in Indian theater and parallel cinema, Mehta is remembered for her immense contribution to modern Marathi theater and for her influence on generations of artists and filmmakers.Speaking to X, Prime Minister Vijaya Mehta described her as one of the most influential figures in India’s cultural and film scene, and highlighted her pioneering work and dedication to the arts.“I am deeply saddened by the demise of Ms. Vijaya Mehta Ji. She will be remembered as one of the iconic figures of culture and cinema. She was a pioneer of modern Marathi theatre, and was known for her creativity and commitment to artistic excellence.”He also acknowledged the lasting impact of her work and offered his condolences to her loved ones and the artistic community.“Her work has inspired generations of actors, directors and theater lovers. My thoughts are with her family, fans and the entire artistic fraternity in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”Vijaya Mehta, known as ‘Bai’, was among the architects of modern Indian theatre. As a director, actor and producer, she played a pivotal role in shaping the experimental theater movement in the country. She was also a founder member of Rangayan Theater Group in Mumbai along with playwright Vijay Tendulkar and actors Arvind Deshpande and Shriram Lagoo.
Over the course of a career spanning more than six decades, Mehta co-founded Rangayan and directed several notable theater productions, including Ek Shunya Bajirao and Ajab Nyai Vartulasha. She has also directed popular films like Rao Saheb and Baistongi.Vijaya Jaywant was born on November 4, 1934 in Baroda, and trained under renowned theater teachers Ibrahim Al Qadi and Uday Marzban. Her distinguished career has been recognized with numerous accolades, including
Padma Shri
in 1986, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for direction in 1975, the Tagore Ratna in 2012, and the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.Apart from her theatrical work, Vijaya Mehta has also made a mark in Hindi parallel cinema with her critically acclaimed performances in films like Kalyug and Party, earning widespread acclaim for her powerful yet understated performances.
