Veteran Theatre Director and Actress Vijaya Mehta Passes Away in Mumbai at 91
Veteran theatre practitioner, actress, director, and cultural administrator Vijaya Mehta, affectionately known as 'Bai' in the theatre world, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Mumbai. She was 91 years old.
Mehta was a pioneering force in Marathi and Indian theatre, co-founding the influential theatre group 'Rangayan' and shaping national cultural institutions through her leadership. She served as the director of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai and as the chairperson of the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi.
Born to Dattatray and Bhurabai Jaiwant on November 4, 1934, Mehta earned a degree in economics and political science from the University of Mumbai. She received her formal theatre training at the NSD in Delhi under instructors Ebrahim Alkazi and Merchant.
Mehta began her acting career with the Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, debuting as Kamalve in a 1953 Marathi adaptation of the play 'Bunjarasara'. She went on to perform in several notable productions with the Sangh, including 'Sanshaykallo' in 1955, 'Tujhe Aahe Tulyashi' in 1956, and 'Sundar Mi Honar' from 1960 to 1963.
In 1960, Mehta co-founded 'Rangayan' in Mumbai alongside Vijay Tendulkar, Arvind Deshpande, and Shriram Lagoo. She contributed as both an actress and director to the group's productions, which included 'Mother' (1961), 'Shitu' (1961), 'Khuva' (1962), 'Madi' (1962), 'Mi Jinkla, Mi Harala' (1963), 'Yashoda' (1963), and 'Ek Shoom Baji Rao' (1963).
Mehta served as the director of the NCPA from 1993 until March 31, 2010. Throughout her career, she also worked as a trainer for theatre workshops organised by the Maharashtra Government and conducted sessions on the Stanislavski system of acting in Mumbai.
Her autobiography, 'Dima- Aathavnicha Gof', received the Bharat Damani Sahitya Puraskar and the Masap Lakshmibai Tikvik Puraskar. A collection of writings by and about her, titled 'Bai' Eka Sangh Paryavaran Manorath Pravas', was edited by Ambarish Mishra.
Mehta had two sons from her marriage with Harin Khote. Following his death, she married Farokh Mehta, with whom she had a daughter.
