Home / Arts and Entertainment / Theatre Visionary Vijaya Mehta Dies at 91
Theatre Visionary Vijaya Mehta Dies at 91
1 Jul
Summary
- Renowned theatre director and actor Vijaya Mehta passed away at 91.
- She was instrumental in shaping Marathi theatre through Rangayan.
- Mehta also made significant contributions to cinema and television.
Indian theatre has lost a guiding light with the passing of Vijaya Mehta, a celebrated actor, director, and visionary, who died in Mumbai on June 30 at the age of 91. Mehta's impactful journey in theatre began in her college days, leading her to become a key figure in shaping Marathi theatre.
She co-founded Rangayan in the 1960s with playwright Vijay Tendulkar and actor-director Arvind Deshpande, fostering bold experimentation and introducing new voices. The collective permanently transformed Marathi theatre by nurturing innovative performance styles. Mehta also held prestigious leadership roles, including Chairperson of the National School of Drama and head of FTII.
Beyond her extensive stage work, Vijaya Mehta made significant contributions to cinema and television, directing critically acclaimed films like 'Pestonjee'. Her pioneering work across several decades inspired generations of artists, cementing her monumental legacy in India's performing arts landscape.
