Vijaya Mehta Dies at 91: Legendary Marathi Theatre and Film Director ‘Bai’ Passes Away, Anupam Kher Pays Emotional Tribute (Watch Video)
Veteran Marathi theatre doyenne Vijaya Mehta died in Mumbai on June 30. She was 91. Fondly called "Bai," Mehta was a pioneering director-producer, actress and mentor who reshaped modern Indian theatre and cinema in Hindi and Marathi. Celebrities across sectors paid tribute to the theatre veteran after her demise.
Veteran Marathi theatre doyenne Vijaya Mehta died on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at her residence in Mumbai, Maharashtra. She was 91. Fondly called "Bai," Mehta was a pioneering director, actor and producer who reshaped modern Indian theatre and cinema. The news of her demise was shared by actor Anupam Kher on his Instagram account. Expressing his grief, Kher dropped an emotional video and post, recalling Vijaya Mehta's immense contribution to theatre and cinema.
Anupam Kher's Tribute to Vijaya Mehta - Watch Video:
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"VIJAYA MEHTA- THE ICONIC LEGEND! Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of #VijayaMehta. One of the finest theatre minds India has ever produced, an exceptional filmmaker, and above all, a remarkable human being. I had the privilege of working with Vijaya Bai in Rao Saheb and Pestonjee. I had already done a few films by then and thought I understood something about acting. But every rehearsal with her reminded me how vast the ocean of this craft really is. In front of her wisdom, her understanding of human behaviour, and her extraordinary sensitivity, I happily became a student again," Kher wrote. Veteran Marathi Actor Bal Karve Dies at 95, ‘Chimanrao Gundyabhau’, 'Swami', ‘Lapandav’, ‘Kusum Manohar Lele’ Among His Notable Works.
"She never imposed her knowledge. She illuminated it. She never raised her voice. She raised your standards. Her discipline came wrapped in grace, her warmth in humility, and her brilliance in simplicity. The cruelest thing about death is that within moments of hearing the news, we are forced to speak about someone we love in the past tense. The heart takes much longer to accept what the mind has just been told," he added.
Kher thanked his "Vijaya Bai" for her "generosity, affection, guidance, and for reminding so many of us that acting is not about performing... it is about understanding life." Iconic Marathi Film ‘Shyamchi Aai’ Actor Madhav Vaze, Who Acted in Aamir Khan’s ‘3 Idiots’, Passes Away at 85.
"You will always remain present in the countless actors, directors and students whose lives you touched. Om Shanti," he expressed.
Minister Ashish Shelar Pays Tribute to Vijaya Mehta
Several members of the political fraternity also paid condolences over the demise of Vijaya Mehta. Maharashtra minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashish Shelar on X wrote, "Heartfelt Tribute The news of the passing of veteran theatre director Vijaya Mehta is extremely heartbreaking. Through her extraordinary directorial style, creative vision, and unwavering dedication to the art of theatre, she bestowed a new identity upon Marathi as well as Indian theatre. The imprint of her work will continue to inspire countless artists. May her soul attain eternal peace. And may the Mehta family find the strength to recover from this sorrow--this is my prayer at the feet of the Lord!"
Ashish Shelar's Heartfelt Tribute to Vijaya Mehta - See Post:
भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली
ज्येष्ठ नाट्य दिग्दर्शिका विजया मेहता यांच्या निधनाची बातमी अत्यंत दुःखद आहे. आपल्या विलक्षण दिग्दर्शनशैली, सृजनशील दृष्टी आणि रंगकलेप्रती असलेल्या अखंड निष्ठेमुळे त्यांनी मराठी तसेच भारतीय रंगभूमीला नवी ओळख प्राप्त करून दिली. त्यांच्या कार्याचा ठसा अनेक… pic.twitter.com/BtVZnubNAv
— Adv. Ashish Shelar - ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) June 30, 2026
Who Was Vijaya Mehta?
Vijaya Mehta was one of the founding members of Mumbai's Rangayan theatre group, alongside renowned playwright Vijay Tendulkar and veteran actors Arvind Deshpande and Shreeram Lagoo. Her six-decade career included co-founding the experimental group Rangayan, staging landmark plays like Ek Shoonya Bajirao and Ajab Nyay Vartulacha, and directing acclaimed films such as Rao Saheb and Pestonjee. Achyut Potdar Dies at 90; Veteran Actor Known for ‘Rangeela’, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Pradhan Mantri’ and Other Hindi, Marathi Films and TV Shows, Passes Away in Thane.
Born Vijaya Jaywant on November 4, 1934, in Baroda, she trained under Ebrahim Alkazi and Adi Marzban. Her honours include the Padma Shri in 1986, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Direction in 1975, Tagore Ratna in 2012, and a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. Beyond theatre, Vijaya Mehta carved a distinct place for herself in Indian parallel cinema with memorable performances in acclaimed films such as Kalyug and Party, earning critical acclaim for her nuanced portrayals. More details regarding her demise are awaited.
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