Who was Vijaya Mehta? Marathi theater icon dies at 91

Who was Vijaya Mehta? Marathi theater icon dies at 91

Vijaya Mehta, a renowned actor and director who left an indelible mark on Marathi theater and the parallel cinema of the '80s, passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.

She was 91.

The news was confirmed by Vijay Kenkre, her chief assistant on one of her TV shows, Lifeline.

Mehta's contribution to Indian performing arts spanned several decades and earned her immense respect.

Mehta's early life, education

Born Vijaya Jaywant on November 4, 1934, Mehta graduated from the University of Mumbai.

She then studied under renowned theater personalities Ebrahim Alkazi and Adi Marzban.

Later, she co-founded the theater group Rangayan with actors Shriram Lagoo and Arvind Deshpande and playwright Vijay Tendulkar.

Some of her notable stage productions include Barrister, Hamidabaichi Kothi, Mother, Shakuntal, and Ek Shoonya Bajirao.