<p><a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-cm-devendra-fadnavis-and-nitin-gadkari-pays-tribute-to-legendary-singer-suman-kalyanpur-23633101" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis</a> on Wednesday paid tribute to veteran theatre director, actor and producer Vijaya Mehta, describing her passing as the end of an era in Marathi theatre and Indian performing arts.</p>
<p>Mehta, one of the country's most influential theatre personalities, died on Tuesday night due to age-related ailments. She was 92.</p>
<p>In a condolence message, Fadnavis said Mehta's contributions as an actor, director and producer had left a lasting impact on theatre and cinema, inspiring generations of artists.</p>
<h2>Fadnavis remembers Mehta's contribution to theatre</h2>
<p>Expressing grief over her demise, the chief minister said <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/regional-indian-cinema-news/article/marathi-theatre-legend-vijaya-mehta-dies-at-92-23637713" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Vijaya Mehta</a> played a transformative role in shaping modern theatre through her artistic vision and commitment to the performing arts.</p>
<p>He noted that after establishing herself as an accomplished actor, Mehta went on to direct several critically acclaimed productions while mentoring numerous theatre practitioners. He also praised her performances in films, saying they were widely appreciated by audiences and critics alike.</p>
<p>"The passing away of Vijaya Mehta marks the end of a defining chapter of a generation in the world of performing arts," Fadnavis said.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/maharashtra-cm-devendra-fadnavis-pays-tribute-to-veteran-photojournalist-raghu-rai-23627581" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">The chief minister also extended his condolences</a> to Mehta's family, saying he stood with them during their time of grief.</p>
<h2>Political leaders pay tribute</h2>
<p>Several political leaders also mourned the veteran theatre personality's passing.</p>
<p>Maharashtra minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ashish Shelar paid tribute in a post on X, highlighting Mehta's influence on both Marathi and Indian theatre.</p>
<p>"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!" he wrote.</p>
<h2>A pioneer of experimental theatre</h2>
<p>Vijaya Mehta was widely regarded as one of the architects of modern <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai-guide/things-to-do/article/immerse-in-marathi-cinema-with-marathi-chitrapat-stories-and-stardom-at-ngma-in-mumbai-23636881" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Marathi theatre</a>.</p>
<p>She was among the founding members of Mumbai's experimental theatre group Rangayan, alongside playwright Vijay Tendulkar and veteran actors Arvind Deshpande and Shreeram Lagoo. Over a career spanning more than six decades, she helped redefine contemporary theatre through innovative productions and direction.</p>
<p>Her notable stage productions included Ek Shoonya Bajirao and Ajab Nyay Vartulacha, while she also directed acclaimed films such as Rao Saheb and Pestonjee.</p>
<h2>Distinguished career in theatre and cinema</h2>
<p>Born Vijaya Jaywant on November 4, 1934, in Baroda, Mehta received formal training under renowned theatre personalities Ebrahim Alkazi and Adi Marzban.</p>
<p>Beyond theatre, she established herself as a respected figure in Indian parallel cinema through acclaimed performances in films such as Kalyug and Party, earning widespread praise for her nuanced acting.</p>
<p>Her contributions to Indian arts were recognised with several prestigious honours, including the Padma Shri in 1986, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Direction in 1975, the Tagore Ratna in 2012 and the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.</p>
<h2>Lasting legacy in Indian performing arts</h2>
<p>Vijaya Mehta's work transformed Marathi theatre and significantly influenced the evolution of modern Indian theatre and parallel cinema. Through her productions, performances and mentorship, she nurtured generations of actors, directors and playwrights, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape India's performing arts landscape.</p>

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis paid tribute to theatre legend Vijaya Mehta, calling her death the end of an era in Indian theatre and performing arts

Vijaya Mehta's death marks end of an era in theatre, says Devendra Fadnavis

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Fadnavis said Mehta's contributions as an actor, director and producer had left a lasting impact on theatre and cinema, inspiring generations of artists

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis condoles theatre and film personality Vijaya Mehta's demise

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