Mumbai: Smita Patil is often considered to be one of the best actors of India and hence it was no surprise when big names from Bollywood attended the late actress' first authorized biography. The event was attended by Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Shyam Benegal, Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das, Prahlad Kakkar to name a few.
The biography traces the life of the talented actor, right from her childhood to when she achieved stardom including her controversial marriage and untimely death. It also includes a sharp critique of the films which are considered to define not only her career but also the best of New Indian Cinema.
Shabana Azmi also regretted that she and Smita could not be friends. Shabana said, “There was rivalry – some of it manufactured by the media and some of it real – which caused tension. There were attempts at reconciliation and we maintained a civil relationship with each other, but we could never be friends.”
Amitabh Bachchan who was the chief guest at the event remembered Smita with great fondness. He said, “I always fall short of words when asked to speak of Smita.” He recalled her inner strength and commitment to her ideals, noting how she was once dismayed upon being recognised by the public for her work in 'Namak Halal' only.
Smita's father Shivajirao Girdhar Patil, her sister Anita Patil Deshmukh, her nephew Adeetya Deshmukh and son, Prateik Babbar, were also present.
Photo: Viral Bhayani
