Vijaya Mehta (1934 – 2026)

Their Story

Vijaya Mehta was one of India's most influential figures in theatre and cinema, fondly remembered as "Bai" within artistic circles. Born in Vadodara on November 4, 1934, to Theosophist parents, she was surrounded by artistic legacy but chose the demanding world of experimental theatre over mainstream cinema. Training under theatre pioneer Ebrahim Alkazi, she co-founded the groundbreaking Mumbai-based theatre group Rangayan with playwright Vijay Tendulkar and actors Arvind Deshpande and Shriram Lagoo, becoming a leading figure in experimental Marathi theatre of the 1960s. As chairperson of the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai, Mehta forged international collaborations with theatrical luminaries including Peter Brook and Jerzy Grotowski, bringing global theatrical practice to Indian artists. She directed landmark stage productions including Ek Shoonya Bajirao and Ajab Nyay Vartulacha, which introduced Bertolt Brecht to Marathi audiences, alongside plays like Barrister, Shakuntal, and Hamidabaichi Kothi. In cinema, she earned acclaim for her role in Party (1984) and directed the acclaimed films Rao Saheb (1986) and Pestonjee (1988). Her illustrious six-decade career established her as an uncompromising director and mentor who demanded artistic excellence and helped shape modern Indian theatre. She died in Mumbai on June 30, 2026.