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Veteran theatre actor Vijaya Mehta passes away at 91; Anupam Kher mourns her demise
The celebrated director-actor mentored some of the great talents of Indian cinema including Anupam Kher, Nana Patekar and Neena Kulkarni.
Trigger Warning: This article mentions someone’s demise, which can be triggering to some. Reader discretion is advised.
The Indian artistic community is currently mourning the passing away of the legendary theatre and film director, actress, and producer Vijaya Mehta. She passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at her Mumbai residence, at the age of 91. Fondly known as ‘Bai’ to generations of artists, her demise marks the end of a golden era in modern Indian theatre and parallel cinema.
Vijaya Mehta passes away
Hours ago, Anupam Kher took to his Instagram handle and dropped a heartbreaking video, remembering Vijaya Mehta. Expressing grief, Kher captioned his moving video, “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.”
The Tanvi the Great director mentioned that he had the privilege of working with Vijaya Bai. “In front of her wisdom, her understanding of human behaviour, and her extraordinary sensitivity, I happily became a student again. 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.”
He concluded his post by thanking Mehta for her generosity, affection, guidance, and for reminding artists like him that “acting is not about performing, it is about understanding life.”
Born Vijaya Jaywant on November 4, 1934, in Baroda, Vijaya Mehta graduated from the University of Mumbai before honing her craft. Alongside iconic Vijay Tendulkar and veteran actors Shriram Lagoo and Arvind Deshpande, she co-founded a groundbreaking Mumbai-based theatre group.
As an actress, she delivered unforgettable performances in parallel cinema classics like Govind Nihalani's Party (1984) and Shyam Benegal's Kalyug (1981).
As a filmmaker, she directed critically acclaimed films like Rao Saheb (1986) and Pestonjee (1988). Over a stellar career spanning more than six decades, Vijaya Mehta was decorated with India’s highest film accolades.
Mehta also mentored and trained actors like Nana Patekar and Vikram Gokhale. Her disciples Niranjan Iyengar and Neena Kulkarni also mourned her loss.
