Smita Patil, one of Indian cinema’s most iconic actresses, was born on October 17, 1955, in Mumbai. Known for her intense performances and powerful on-screen presence, Smita’s journey to becoming a revered figure in Indian cinema is an extraordinary one, filled with unexpected turns. What is lesser known, however, is how a simple, chance event involving a photograph changed the course of her life forever.
From News Anchor to Film Star: A Story of Serendipity
Smita Patil began her career far from the film sets—she worked as a news anchor for Doordarshan Mumbai, where she read news in Marathi. Her calm and graceful presence, coupled with her deep voice, quickly won her viewers’ hearts. But it was not her newsreading skills that caught the attention of the film world. Instead, it was a photograph that happened to fall on the ground that paved the way for her entry into cinema.
One day, photographer Deepak Kirpekar, who frequently took Smita’s pictures, was visiting Doordarshan Kendra. As he entered, some of Smita’s photos accidentally fell from his hands, scattering on the ground. At that moment, PV Krishnamurthy, the then Director of Doordarshan Mumbai, happened to be passing by. His eyes caught sight of the fallen photos, and he was immediately intrigued.
Curious, Krishnamurthy asked, “Whose pictures are these?” Upon learning they were of Smita Patil, he insisted on meeting her. Smita, who had no intention of entering the world of television or films, was initially hesitant but later agreed after much persuasion. This meeting would turn out to be a pivotal moment in her life.
The Audition That Started It All
During her audition at Doordarshan, when asked to sing something of her choice, Smita surprised everyone by singing the national anthem of Bangladesh, “Amar Shonar Bangla.” Her deep, soulful voice left a lasting impression, and she was immediately hired as a news anchor. Though Smita excelled in this role, destiny had other plans for her.
Her captivating presence on TV screens soon caught the attention of legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who saw her reading the news and knew right away that she was the perfect fit for his films. He offered her a role in Charandas Chor (1975), marking the beginning of her illustrious film career.
A Star is Born: Smita Patil’s Rise to Fame
With her big eyes, expressive face, and deep emotional depth, Smita Patil quickly became a leading figure in parallel cinema. Her performances in films like Bhumika, Manthan, Arth, and Mirch Masala earned her critical acclaim. She was celebrated not just for her beauty but for the remarkable seriousness and intensity she brought to each role.
Smita’s work extended beyond the screen; she was known for her commitment to social causes, especially women’s issues. Her films often reflected this, with many of her roles focusing on the struggles and empowerment of women.
Personal Life and Tragic Death
Smita Patil’s personal life was as eventful as her career. She married actor Raj Babbar, who was already married at the time. Together, they had a son, Prateik Babbar, who would later follow in his mother’s footsteps and enter the film industry.
Tragically, Smita Patil passed away at the young age of 31, just two weeks after giving birth to her son. Her sudden death on December 13, 1986, left the film industry and her fans in shock. Despite her short life, Smita Patil’s legacy in Indian cinema remains timeless. Her films continue to captivate audiences, and she is remembered as one of the finest actresses India has ever produced.
