Lillete Dubey, a powerhouse performer in Indian cinema, is a name that resonates with grace, talent, and versatility. But what many might not know is that her Bollywood journey began at the age of 46. Despite her remarkable career in theatre spanning five decades, it took years for Lillete to make her mark on the silver screen. Today, she is celebrated for her roles in films like Zubeidaa, Monsoon Wedding, and Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. Her entry into films came much later in life, largely because of her father’s opposition to her working in Bollywood.
In a recent interview, Lillete opened up about her late start in films, the challenges she faced along the way, and her incredible journey in theatre, which continues to be her first love.
A Theatre Veteran Before Bollywood
Lillete Dubey’s story isn’t one of instant fame or early success in Bollywood. She had already made a name for herself in the world of theatre long before she ever stepped in front of a movie camera. Having worked with renowned theatre personalities like Barry John, Lillete spent years honing her craft on stage, where she felt most at home. It was during these years that she laid the foundation for her future roles in Indian cinema.
Lillete’s journey in theatre began with the Theatre Action Group (TAG) in Delhi, a company that played a pivotal role in shaping her as an artist. She started performing when she was just 22 years old. Despite being young, beautiful, and talented, Lillete faced significant resistance from her family when it came to pursuing a career in films.
A Father’s Disapproval
Lillete’s father was an engineer, and her mother was a gynecologist. Coming from an academically inclined family, the arts, especially films, weren’t seen as a viable or respectable career choice. As Lillete recalled, “I was from a different environment. My father refused as soon as he heard that I wanted to work in films.”
At that time, there was a lot of emphasis on education in her family. Lillete’s father was not pleased with her passion for theatre either, even though it was less commercial than films. Back in the 1970s, working in movies was not considered a good profession for women. So, despite receiving offers from Bollywood, Lillete had to let go of the opportunity to act on the big screen.
However, she never gave up on her love for performing. Lillete continued her theatre journey, working with top directors and playing challenging roles that helped her grow as an actor. As a theatre actress, she thrived, but films remained out of reach for her due to familial constraints.
Late Entry into Bollywood
Lillete finally made her debut in Bollywood at 46, long after most actors typically start their film careers. She entered the film world with the movie Zubeidaa, directed by Shyam Benegal, in 2001. Speaking about this late start, Lillete shared, “I may have started late in films, but I had already spent years in theatre. I was happy with that, raising my daughters and doing what I loved.”
It wasn’t just any role that brought Lillete into films. She was personally approached by Shyam Benegal for the part in Zubeidaa. Benegal, known for his path-breaking cinema, felt Lillete was perfect for the role, and she accepted it. Despite entering Bollywood in her mid-40s, Lillete never went knocking on doors for roles. Her work in theatre spoke for itself, and offers started to come her way from prestigious filmmakers.
Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges
Lillete’s journey wasn’t without its struggles. Being a mother and wife while managing a career in theatre and films wasn’t easy. She had to juggle personal responsibilities with her professional commitments, especially since she started her film career at a time when most actresses think about slowing down.
Her dedication to her craft is evident in the way she handled tough situations. Lillete shared a story about losing her voice during rehearsals for a play. Even though doctors advised complete rest, Lillete couldn’t back out just days before the performance. She communicated by writing notes and eventually performed the play with only 20% of her voice. Similarly, she once performed a scene from Hamlet with a badly injured leg. For Lillete, the show always had to go on.
Theatre: Her First Love
Even with her successful foray into films, Lillete never abandoned theatre. She founded her own theatre company in 1991, which has staged numerous critically acclaimed plays over the years. Her company has worked with talented actors like Manoj Bajpayee and her daughter Ira Dubey, among others.
Lillete has always been passionate about bringing Indian stories to the stage. Some of her most notable works have been adaptations of Indian authors’ writings, such as Mahasweta Devi’s Shishu and Wajida Tabassum’s Uttaran. Her commitment to highlighting women’s voices in theatre is also evident in her teleplays like Womanly Voices and Dance Like a Man.
With platforms like Zee Theatre now showcasing teleplays, Lillete’s work is reaching even wider audiences. Plays that were once limited to live performances are now being documented and preserved, making theatre more accessible to the masses.
Continuing Her Legacy
At 71, Lillete shows no signs of slowing down. She recently celebrated her birthday, but she doesn’t give much thought to age. Instead, her focus remains on staying active in both theatre and film. Her daughters, including actress Ira Dubey, recently made a heartfelt documentary about her, which featured friends, family, and even some Hollywood stars like Richard Gere.
Despite the challenges, Lillete Dubey has carved a niche for herself in Indian entertainment, balancing theatre and films with remarkable ease. Her story is an inspiring testament to how it’s never too late to pursue your passion.
