Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mourned the demise of legendary Marathi theatre character Vijaya Mehta, who handed away at her Mumbai residence on the age of 91. A towering determine in Indian theatre and parallel cinema, Mehta is remembered for her immense contribution to fashionable Marathi theatre and for influencing generations of performers and filmmakers.Taking to X, the Prime Minister described Vijaya Mehta as one of the vital influential figures in India’s cultural and cinematic panorama, highlighting her pioneering work and dedication to the humanities.“Deeply saddened by the passing of Smt. Vijaya Mehta Ji. She will likely be remembered as one of many towering personalities of tradition and cinema. A pioneer of contemporary Marathi theatre, she was identified for her creativity and dedication to creative excellence.”He additionally acknowledged the lasting influence of her work and prolonged his condolences to her family members and the creative group.“Her work impressed generations of actors, administrators and theatre lovers. My ideas are along with her household, admirers and the whole creative fraternity on this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”Affectionately often called “Bai”, Vijaya Mehta was among the many architects of contemporary Indian theatre. As a director, actor and producer, she performed a pivotal function in shaping the nation’s experimental theatre motion. She was additionally a founding member of Mumbai’s Rangayan theatre group alongside playwright Vijay Tendulkar and actors Arvind Deshpande and Shreeram Lagoo.Over a profession spanning greater than six a long time, Mehta co-founded Rangayan and directed a number of landmark stage productions, together with Ek Shoonya Bajirao and Ajab Nyay Vartulacha. She additionally directed acclaimed movies resembling Rao Saheb and Pestonjee.Born Vijaya Jaywant on November 4, 1934, in Baroda, she skilled underneath famend theatre mentors Ebrahim Alkazi and Adi Marzban. Her distinguished profession was recognised with a number of honours, together with the Padma Shri in 1986, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Course in 1975, the Tagore Ratna in 2012, and the Nationwide Movie Award for Greatest Supporting Actress.Aside from her theatre work, Vijaya Mehta additionally made a big mark in Indian parallel cinema with critically acclaimed performances in movies resembling Kalyug and Celebration, incomes widespread reward for her highly effective and understated performances.
