Fragrance Of Yesteryears: Smita Patil

For the new edition of Fragrance Of Yesteryears, a diva of the golden years, one the best gems of tinsel town and a fitting tribute to the month dedicated to women, Smita Patil is thrown in the spotlight!

Published: Monday,Mar 18, 2013 20:14 PM GMT-06:00

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For the new edition of Fragrance Of Yesteryears, a diva of the golden years, one the best gems of tinsel town and a fitting tribute to the month dedicated to women, Smita Patil is thrown in the spotlight!

Patil was born on October 17, 1955, in Pune to a Maratha

family. Her father was a Maharashtrian politician, Shivajirao Patil and her mother, Vidyatai Patil, a social worker. Patil also completed her schooling in Pune, attending Renuka Swaroop Memorial High School.

Patil's first appearance on television was in 1970 as a newscaster for the Indian government owned television service, Doordarshan. When she was discovered and approached by Shyam Benegal, she was already a successful TV newsreader and photographer. Majority of Patil's roles in her films were female orientated and emphasized the power of women instead of the popular male dominating roles seen during those times. It was due to these particular roles that was one of the reasons why she gained much attention and popularity by viewers. Her most famous movies for such roles were Bhumika, Umbartha, and Bazaar.

As the industry continued to grow, Patil began to be appreciated by filmmakers and a greater mass of audience. She also starred in commercial films such as Shakti, Namak Halal and Mirch Masala. The latter film was unfortunately her last.

Her numerous link-ups with actor Raj Babbar and then the marriage with him after his divorce from his first wife Nadira Babbar, shaded her personal life. Overnight, she was addressed as a "home breaker" by the members of the feminist organizations she worked for.

When Smita Patil breathed her last on the midnight of December 13, 1986, Indian cinema lost an incredible talent. She passed away due to childbirth complications, not even two weeks after she delivered her son, today actor, Prateik Babbar. Two decades later, Mrinal Sen, among the best film directors alleged that Patil's death occurred because of medical negligence and not childbirth complications.

*Curiosity Corner*

In 2011, according to the Redcliff list, Patil was announced as the second greatest actress of all time, after the flawless Nargis.
Patil has won six awards during her film career that spanned just a decade, including the Padma Shri Award.
Patil has acted in over 80 films, including Hindi and Marathi.
More than ten of Patil's films were released after her death.

With such talent and passion, Smita Patil was definitely an inspiration and still is role model for others today. While she is no longer present to see the difference she has made with her films, we as viewers of Bollywood will remember her forever and cherish the legendary movies she's left behind for us!