Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to veteran Marathi theatre legend Vijaya Mehta who passe away at her residence at the age of 91. 


She is remembered as one of the biggest names in the Indian theatres and in parallel cinema. Mehta left behind a legacy that has inspired generations across among the actors, directors and theatre lovers.


Sharing a post on X, the Prime Minister recalled Mehta as the towering personality of Indian cinema and culture. He also praised her contribution towards the Modern Marathi theatre and her commitment for life time to artistic excellence.   Modi also offered his condolences to the family and to the artistic community that belonged to her for over decades wherein she was a part of it to have nurtured younger actors of all generations. 


A tribute to Vijaya Mehta


It is deeply saddening of the passing away of Vijaya Mehta. A pioneer in the modern Marathi theatre known for her creativity and her commitment.  


Her work has inspired generations of actors, directors and theatre lovers.  She has admirers from the entire artistic fraternity and from the film industry . 


Fondly known as Bai, Vijaya Mehta was a pioneering director, actor and a producer. She played major role in shaping he modern Indian theatre. She was one of the founding members of Mumbai Rangayan theatre group along with playwright Vijay Tendulkar and renowned such as  Arvind Deshpande and Shreeram Lagoo.




Over her six decades career span, it included the co-founding the experimental group Rangayan that staged the landmark plays like Ek Shoonya Bajirao and Ajay Nyay Varulacha . She also directed the much-acclaimed films such as Rao Saheb and Pestonjee. 


Vijaya Jaywant was born on November 4th 1934 in Baroda.  She got trained under Ebrahim Alkazi and Adi Barzban. She was bestowed up on the Padma Shir in 1986, a Sangeet Natak Academy Award for Direction in 1975 and the Tagore Ratna in 2012 and she was conferred the National Film Award for the Best Supporting Actress. 


Beyond theatre, Vijaya Mehta has carved a distinctive place for herself in the Indian parallel cinema with her memorable performances in the films such as Kalyug and Party , for both her films,  she earned critical acclaim for her nuanced performances.