Smita Patil, a celebrated Indian actress, left an enduring mark on the film industry. Her talent and dedication continue to inspire generations.

Wiki/Biography

Born on October 17, 1955, in Pune, India, Smita Patil completed her schooling at Renuka Swaroop Memorial High School. She later graduated from the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. Even during her school years, she displayed a keen interest in theatre, actively participating in various school productions. Before entering the world of films, she gained experience as a television newsreader with Mumbai Doordarshan.

Family, Caste & Husband

Smita hailed from a Marathi Hindu family. Her father, Shivajirao Girdhar Patil, was a politician, and her mother, Vidyatai Patil, was a social worker. She had two sisters: Manya Patil Seth, a producer, and Anita Deshmukh, a school teacher. She was also a cousin to actress Aboli Patil and aunt to actress Vidya Malvade.

Her personal life was marked by several relationships. She was engaged to Dr. Sunil Bhutani, but the engagement didn’t lead to marriage. She was also linked to actors Vinod Khanna and producer Johnny Bakshi. Ultimately, she married the renowned Bollywood actor Raj Babbar. Their son, Prateik Babbar, is also a Bollywood actor.

Career

Smita’s cinematic journey began with Shyam Benegal’s “Charandas Chor” in 1975, although her Bollywood debut was in “Mere Saath Chal” in 1974. She quickly became a prominent figure, delivering powerful performances in films like:

• Manthan (1977)
• Bhumika (1977)
• Aakrosh (1980)
• Chakra (1981)
• Chidambaram (1985)
• Mirch Masala (1985)
• Shakti
• Namak Halaal

Her roles in “Aakhir Kyon” (opposite Rajesh Khanna) and “Mirch Masala” (with Naseeruddin Shah) further solidified her status as a leading actress.

Death

Smita Patil sadly passed away on December 13, 1986, just two weeks after giving birth to her son, Prateek Babbar. Her death resulted from complications related to childbirth.

Awards

Her exceptional talent earned her numerous accolades:

• National Film Award for Best Actress (“Bhumika,” 1977)
• National Film Award for Best Actress (“Chakra,” 1980)
• Filmfare Award for Best Actress (“Chakra,” 1982)
• Padma Shri Award (1985)

Facts

Smita Patil was a passionate feminist, actively involved in women’s rights and often choosing roles that highlighted women’s empowerment. She was a member of the Women’s Centre in Mumbai and dedicated herself to various charitable causes, even donating her first National Award prize money to a worthy cause.

Despite her success, she faced criticism, particularly after marrying Raj Babbar. Some feminist groups labeled her a “home-breaker” due to the circumstances of her marriage. Her sister, Manya Patil, described her as a private person who carried a sense of guilt regarding past relationships.

Her legacy continues to be celebrated; she was ranked as the second-greatest actress of all time by Rediff in 2011, and the Smita Patil International Film Festival for Documentaries and Shorts was established in her honor in 2012.

Smita Patil’s Filmography (Partial)

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