The gorgeous multi faceted actor Smita Patil is deeply missed even today, 34th year of her death anniversary. She passed away suddenly, unexpectedly, tragically due to severe complications in childbirth on 13th December 1986. Below are ten of her best performances( for an artist of her calibre there are many more) out of the fifty odd films she did in her decade long career in acting.
Rukmini in Nishaant (1975):
Initially the submissive wife/daughter-in-law from a feudal aristocratic family, who transforms into a feisty feminist while sympathising with a rape victim kidnapped in her house.
Usha Dalvi in Bhumika(1977):
As an actress whose personal and professional lives go through extreme turmoils Smita performed with great finesse in this complex role. Her tumultuous relationships with four men at different stages of her life, the cracking relation with her teenage daughter, Smita at 22 played a mature role with great ease. She won the National Award- Best actress for this role.
Joan Pinto in Albert Pinto Ko gussa Kyun Aata Hai(1980):
She was symbol of true feminism here. A handicapped woman from a minority community who never plays the victim card, fiercely independent and supportive of her loved ones she displayed absolute expertise in essaying this role.
Amma in Chakra(1981):
A foul mouthed zhopad Patti wali, deviating from her real life personality Smita played this slum dweller with such realistic approach that one can smell the stench of the slums through her dialogues. She was awarded both the national award- best actress and Filmfare best actress for this role.
Sulabha in Umbartha(1982):
Freeing herself from the clutches of a loveless marriage, she embarks on a journey of self discovery by crossing the patriarchal threshold. Terrifically played undeniably difficult role.
Asha in Haadsaa(1983):
This was one of Smita’s commercial trashy films, but her portrayal of a psychopath woman is mind blowing. Playing a sexy socialite from up market Bombay who has a dark past only Smita could’ve looked convincing in an otherwise terrible movie.
Jyotsna Gokhale in Ardh Satya(1983):
A completely male dominated movie, but Smita made her presence felt. Symbol of subtlety and softness, her philosophical conversations with Om Puri in the movie have to be heard to be believed.
Kavita Sanyal in Arth(1983):
A schizophrenic driven to extreme insanity, Smita’s depiction of the doomed actress is commendable. Her breakdown scenes could melt a rock. She got a Filmfare best supporting actress nomination for this film.
Zeenat Bi in Mandi(1983):
Who else could’ve played the child woman with such consummate perfection? A young prostitute exploring her sexuality and unknowingly driven into an incestous relationship, Smita was outstanding in her act. She received a FilmFare best supporting actress nomination for this film.
Sonbai in Mirch Masala(1987):
One of Smita’s final movies, a strong willed unbreakable woman who dismisses the sexual advances of a lusty villain and seeks refuge in a chilly factory. Smita as the feisty mill worker conveyed more through those expressive eyes than the dialogues. She was awarded the BFJA best actress award for this role posthumously.
There are many of her powerful acts that I didn’t include, it’s like a vast ocean full of rarest of pearls and difficult to choose and skip. She was fantastic in movies like Manthan(1977), Zait Re Zait(1977), Kondura(1978), Gaman(1979), Naxalites(1979), Aakrosh(1980), Sadgati(1981), Debashishu (1981), Bazaar(1982), Shakti(1982), Aaj Ki Awaaz(1984), Giddh(1985), Aakhir Kyun(1985), Sutradhar(1986), and so many others.
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