Smita Patil Birth Anniversary: ‘Bhumika’, ‘Mirch Masala’, ‘Shakti’ – Revisiting Some of Her Iconic Films

Smita Patil was born on October 17, 1955 in Pune. Her father Shivajirao Girdhar Patil was a politician while her mother, Vidyatai was a social worker. It is said that the family struggled financially when Smita Patil was born. Her mother took up the job of a nurse in Pune to feed the two children. She is survived by her two sisters. While Smita Patil's career lasted only for a decade, no discourse on Indian cinema will be complete without her mention.

She was the face of parallel cinema in India. Smita Patil represented a different kind of woman on celluloid. Her characters were intelligent, empowered and believed in the concept of a woman having her own agency. She passed away in December 1986 due to complications from child birth. On the occasion of her birth anniversary let us revisit some of her best films.

‘Ardh Satya’

Om Puri, Smita Patil were stellar in Govind Nihalani's 1983 thriller drama, Ardh Satya.  Marathi legend Sadashiv Amrapurkar played the part of Rama Shetty. Sadly, none of them are alive today. Smita Patil played the role of Jyotsna Gokhale in Ardh Satya, a lecturer. Om Puri and Smita Patil's acting still leaves us in awe of their boundless talent. Prateik Babbar Shines in Suit Made From Late Mom Smita Patil’s Kanjeevaram Sarees at Manthan Screening in Mumbai (View Pics).  

Smita Patil’s Photogenic Face Was a Director’s Dream

‘Shakti’

Ramesh Sippy directed this 1982 family drama cum action movie. It is considered as one of the greatest films ever made in Indian cinema. Shakti is famous because it brought together Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan together on celluloid. Both were nominated for Best Actor, which Kumar won. Smita Patil played the role of Big B aka Vijay's wife. Cannes 2024: Prateik Babbar to Attend Screening of Mother Smita Patil’s Classic Film Manthan. 

‘Bhumika’

Smita Patil was just 22 when she played the role of Usha in this 1977 Shyam Benegal film. Bhumika was based on the life of an actress Hansa Wadkar, whose journey into stardom was full of personal turmoil. In the movie, she was paired with Amol Palekar, Anant Nag and late Amrish Puri. Bhumika won her the National Film Award for Best Actress.

‘Bhumika’ Is Considered as One of Her Best Works With Benegal

‘Mirch Masala’

Smita Patil was first-rate in this Ketan Mehta directorial that also starred Naseeruddin Shah. In Mirch Masala, she played the role of Sonbai who does not relent to the advances of a Subhedar harassing the entire village. She looked gorgeous in this movie. Mirch Masala won National Film Awards for Best Feature Film, Best Supporting Actor and Best Editing. Smita Patil's performance is ranked by Forbes in the Top 25 Greatest Performances in Indian Cinema.

‘Arth’

Mahesh Bhatt's Arth was released in 1982. It was based on his relationship with Parveen Babi. Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Smita Patil played the lead roles in this movie. The film is also known for its music.

‘Arth’ Released in 1982 Was a Critically Acclaimed Movie

‘Manthan’

In 1976, Shyam Benegal's Manthan came in cinema halls. It was about the milk co-operative movement in Gujarat that brought about a 'White Revolution in India'. It is also the first crowd-funded movie of India.

We have seen many comparisons in Bollywood, but there can never be another Smita Patil. Her eyes spoke to the cinema, and her face conveyed a gamut of emotions in seconds. Truly, Indian cinema was poorer after her demise.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2024 08:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).