I remember Smita Patil in a small role in ‘Samana’. The entire film has two stalwarts Dr Shriram Lagoo & Nilu Phule in pivotal roles.But the fresh, young daughter of Dr Lagoo was Smita Patil who has a scene or two. She is in the photo frame later. Yet the impact is such that I don’t think anybody missed identifying her.
Then she was in a shot in Amitabh’s “Sharabi’ in a song ‘Jahan chaar yaar’ in the beginning of the movie. She worked in only two films with him. She was in “Shakti’ along with Amitabh, Dilipkumar & Rakhee. Then in ‘Namak Halaal’ with Amitabh,Waheeda Rehman & others. But she had no challenge there. In ‘Ghungroo’ she worked with Shashi Kapoor but again these roles can be done by just anybody. Hindi films gave her recognition, money & introduction to her future husband, Raj Babbar!
Till date she remains the dream of the silver screen! Her roles in various Marathi movies are iconic. Her ‘Jait re jait’ or ‘Umbartha’ later made into ‘Subah’ remain the milestones in her career & in the development of the Marathi industry.
There was a phase when Marathi industry was dominated by the themes around ‘Lavni’ & ‘Tamasha’. It required a new lease that was provided by the directors like Dr Jabbar Patel & actors like Smita Patil, Dr Mohan Agashe, Mohan Gokhale & others.
Films like ‘Mirch Masala’ or ‘Waaris’, “Dance Dance’ released after her demise also showcase her talent. She left us too early. Fortunately she was there when the new wave was upon us. She made the most of it. Can we imagine a ‘Manthan’or ‘Ardha satya’ without her?
Asian Entertainment 