Smita Patil was the daughter of a minister and a social-worker mother. Born in Pune, Maharashtra, she studied at a Marathi medium school. Smita Patil's first tryst with the camera was as a television newscaster. Her dusky beauty and large eyes drew attention. Always a bit of a rebel, she would grin when people complimented her on looking lovely in the saris she sported for the telecasts because minutes before going on air, she would have hurriedly wrapped the sari over her jeans.

Smita shared a special relationship with the camera and, incidentally, she was very good behind the camera too: an exhibition of photographs clicked by her was held posthumously.

A series of largely-forgettable films and a much-discussed marriage with the much-married Raj Babbar was an ineluctable part of this mercurial phase of Smita's short but eventful life and career.

She was an alumna of the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. In 1977, she won the National Award for 'Best Actress' for her performance in the Hindi film Bhumika. In her films, Patil's character often represents an intelligent femininity that stands in relief against the conventional background of male-dominated cinema. Smita Patil was also a women's rights activist and became famous for her roles in films that portrayed women as capable.

Her son, now a strapping teenager, is not the only Prateek (symbol) of her memories. Smita has left behind a rich haul of films that showcase her enormous ability to offer us a glimpse into her soul each time she performed a role.

ABOUT HER SELF :

Date of Birth: 1955
Date of Death : 13 December 1986
City: Pune, Maharashtra
Country: India
Mother: social-worker
Father: minister
Children: son Smit Prateek
Marital status: married
Spouse: Raj Babbar
Education: Marathi medium school
Other facts: she was a TV news reader before she joined the cinema
Hobbies: accomplished photographer
Occupation: bollywood actress
Debut Film: Mere Saath Chal
Languages: hindi, English
Favourite Dish: Kori Roti-It's a Manglorean speciality-chicken with roti made of rice


FILMOGRAPHY :

Galiyon Ka Badshah
Waris
Hum Farishte Nahin
Akarshan
Thikana
Ahsaan
Rahi
Insaniyat Ke Dushman
Avam
Dance Dance
Nazrana
Sher Shivaji
Sutradhar
Anokha Rishta
Teesra Kinara
Aap Ke Saath
Dilwala
Kaanch Ki Deewar
Amrit
Angaarey
Dahleez
Mera Ghar Mere Bachche
Jawaab
Aakhir Kyon?
Chidambaram
Debshishu
Ghulami
Mirch Masala
Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki
Ravan
Hum Do Hamare Do
Farishta
Aaj Ki Awaaz
Anand Aur Anand
Giddh: The Vulture
Kanoon Meri Mutthi Mein
Mera Dost Mera Dushman
Pet Pyaar Aur Paap
Shapath
Sharaabi
Tarang
Qayamat
Ghungroo
Chatpati
Ardh Satya
Haadsa
Mandi
Arth
Shakti
Badle Ki Aag
Bazaar
Bheegi Palken
Dard Ka Rishta
Dil-E-Nadan
Namak Halaal
Sitam
Umbartha
Tajurba
Chakra
Sadgati
Aakrosh
Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Ata Hai
Bhavni Bhavai
The Naxalites
Anugraham
Gaman
Kondura
Sarvasakshi
Bhumika: The Role
Jait Re Jait
Saal Solvan Chadya
Manthan
Nishaant
Charandas Chor
Mere Saath Chal