Veteran theater director, actor and producer Vijaya Mehtaone of the most influential figures in modern Marathi theatre, died on Tuesday at the age of 91. He breathed his last in residence, leaving behind a rich legacy that transformed the Indian theater landscape.Affectionately known as ‘Bai’ within theater circles, Mehta’s demise has left the Marathi film and theater fraternity sad, with artistes and admirers remembering her as a pioneering force who redefined the scene and storytelling.
A pioneer of Marathi experimental theatre
Born Vijaya Jaywant on November 4, 1934, in Baroda (now Vadodara), Gujarat, Mehta graduated from Bombay University and trained under legendary theater practitioners Ebrahim Alkazi and Adi Marzban. His rigorous training in theater would later help shape one of the most significant artistic movements in post-independence India.In the 1960s, he co-founded the innovative theater group Rangayan along with playwright Vijay Tendulkar and actors Shriram Lagoo and Arvind Deshpande. The group became a driving force behind the experimental theater movement in Maharashtra, challenging conventional commercial theater and introducing bold, contemporary narratives.
Iconic products that changed Indian theatre
Mehta’s stage adaptation of CT Khanolkar’s Ek Shoonya Bajirao is widely regarded as a landmark in contemporary Indian theatre. He also introduced the works of Bertolt Brecht to Marathi audiences through his acclaimed adaptation of The Caucasian Chalk Circle, titled Ajab Nyay Vartulacha. His productions of Barrister, Shakuntal, Hamidabaichi Kothi and Mother continue to be celebrated for their innovation and artistic depth.His contributions extended beyond India through collaborations on Indo-German theater projects with international artists, helping to introduce Indian theater to a wider global audience.
Recognized work in cinema
While theater was his first love, Vijaya Mehta also had a lasting impact on Indian parallel cinema. He appeared in acclaimed films like Kalyug and Party, winning widespread praise for his performances.As a filmmaker, he directed notable works such as Rao Saheb and Pestonjee, both of which are regarded as important contributions to India’s parallel film movement.
A career honored with prestigious awards
Throughout a career spanning more than six decades, Mehta received numerous honors. She was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for direction in 1975 and was later awarded the META Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her immense 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.