Veteran Indian theater director, actor and filmmaker Vijaya Mehta Died on Tuesday night due to old age. He was 91.Affectionately known as “Bai” in theater circles, Mehta breathed his last at his residence in South Mumbai, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable career that helped shape modern Marathi theater and influenced generations of actors, directors and playwrights.veteran actor Anupam Kher took to social media to mourn the loss of his mentor and collaborator. Sharing a heartfelt note, Kher described Mehta as “one of India’s greatest theater minds of all time, an exceptional filmmaker and above all, an extraordinary human being”.Recalling his association on the sets of Rao Sahib and Pestonji, Kher wrote that although he had already acted in a few films, each rehearsal with Mehta made him realize “how vast this ocean of craft really is.”She remembered him as a teacher who inspired rather than dictated. “He never imposed his knowledge. He illuminated it. He never raised his voice. He raised your standards,” Kher wrote, adding that his discipline was enveloped in grace, his warmth in humility and his brilliance in simplicity.Reflecting on his death, Kher said one of the cruelest aspects of death is that people are suddenly forced to talk about someone they love in the past tense. Thanking Mehta for his kindness, affection and guidance, he said he has taught countless actors that acting is not just about acting, but about understanding life. He ended his tribute with “Om Shanti”.
Pioneer of Marathi language Experimental theatre
Mehta was one of the pioneering forces behind the experimental theater movement in Maharashtra. He co-founded the influential theater troupe Rangayan with the playwright Vijay TendulkarActor Sriram Lagoo and theater practitioner Arvind Deshpande. Under his leadership, Rangayan ushered in a new era of bold, socially relevant and experimental productions, breaking away from the conventions of commercial theatre.During his illustrious career, Mehta directed a number of groundbreaking plays including Ek Zinni Bajirao, Barrister, Hamidabaichi Kothi, Purush, Ocean and Shakuntala, many of which are considered classics of Marathi theatre. Beyond the stage, Mehta also made a lasting contribution to Indian parallel cinema. He directed acclaimed Hindi films like Rao Saheb and Pestonji, both renowned for their concise storytelling and powerful performances. As an actor, he gave a memorable performance in Party directed by Govind Nihalani.Vijaya Mehta is survived by a daughter and two sons. Details regarding his funeral were awaited at the time of filing this report.
