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Smita Patil (17 October 1955 – 13 December 1986) was an Indian film and theatre actress. Smita Patil was born in Pune to a Maharashtrian politician, Shivajirao Girdhar Patil and social worker mother Vidyatai Patil, from Shirpur town, Khandesh of Maharashtra. Smita Patil is regarded among the finest and greatest stage and film actresses in the history of Indian cinema.

Smita Patil and Ompuri in Sadgati

Filmy Career-

Patil began her career in the early 1970s as a television newsreader on the newly transmitting Mumbai Doordarshan, the Indian government run broadcaster. Her first film role was in the FTII student film Teevra Madhyam.  Shyam Benegal then discovered her and cast her in his 1974 children’s film, Charandas Chor. Patil’s first major role was in his other film, Manthan, in which she played a Harijan woman who leads the revolt.

Smita Patil in Mirch masala

She became one of the leading actresses of parallel cinema, a New Wave movement in India cinema, though she also appeared in several mainstream movies throughout her career. 

Her performances were highly acclaimed, and her most notable roles include Manthan (1977), Bhumika (1977) for which she won her first National Film Award for Best Actress,Jait Re Jait (1978), Aakrosh (1980), Chakra (1981) which earned her a second National Film Award for Best Actress and her first and only Filmfare Award for Best Actress.

 Her Namak Halaal (1982), Bazaar (1982), Umbartha (1982), Shakti (1982), Arth (1982), Ardh Satya (1983), Mandi (1983), Aaj Ki Awaaz (1984), Chidambaram (1985), Mirch Masala (1985), Amrit (1986) and Waaris (1988) were critically acclaimed films. Patil’s  Bazaar (1982) and Aaj Ki Awaaz (1984) earned her two nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. For Mandi (1983), she earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. See full bio at wiki

Death –

Patil was married to actor Raj Babbar. She died on 13 December 1986 at the age of 31 due to childbirth complications. Over ten of her films were released after her death. Her son Prateik Babbar is a film actor.

Birth Chart of Smita Patil-