Senior Indian theater director, actor and film producer Vijaya Mehta died Tuesday evening of age-related illnesses. She is 91 years old.Mehta, who was fondly known as “White” in theater circles, passed away at her residence in south Mumbai, bringing an end to a remarkable career in which she helped shape modern Marathi theater and influenced generations of actors, directors and playwrights.veteran actor Anupam Kher Mourning lost mentors and collaborators on social media. In his share, Kher said that Mehta was “one of the finest dramatic minds India has ever produced, a brilliant filmmaker and, above all, a brilliant human being”.Recalling their collaboration on the sets of Rao Saheb and Pestonjee, Kaher wrote that even though he had acted in several films by then, every rehearsal with Mehta made him realize “how vast the ocean of this craft really is.”He remembers her as a teacher who inspired rather than directed. “She never imposed her knowledge. She articulated it. She never raised her voice. She raised your standards,” Kyle wrote, adding that her discipline was wrapped in grace, her warmth in humility, and her brilliance in simplicity.Looking back on her death, Kyle said one of the cruelest aspects of death is when people are suddenly forced to talk about their loved ones in the past tense. He thanked Mehta for her generosity, care and guidance, and said she taught countless actors that acting is not just about acting, but about understanding life. He concluded his tribute with a heartfelt “Om Shanti”.
marathi pioneer experimental theater
Mehta was one of the pioneers of the experimental theater movement in Maharashtra. She co-founded the influential theater company Rangayan with the playwright Vijay Tendulkaractor Shriram Lagoo and theater practitioner Arvind Deshpande. Under her leadership, Rangayan broke with the conventions of commercial theater and ushered in a new era of bold, socially relevant experimental productions.During his illustrious career, Mehta directed several landmark plays, including Ek Shunya Bajirao, Barrister, Hamidabaichi Kothi, Purush, Mahasagar and Shakuntal, many of which are still considered classics of Marathi theatre. Apart from the stage, Mehta also made a lasting contribution to Indian parallel cinema. She directed critically acclaimed Hindi films such as “Rao Saheb” and “Pestonjee,” both of which were known for their nuanced storytelling and powerful performances. As an actress, she gave a memorable performance in Govind Nihalani’s “Party”.Vijaya Mehta is survived by a daughter and two sons. Details about her last rites were awaited at the time of filing this report.
