Smita Patil, the iconic Indian actress known for her powerful performances in both parallel and mainstream cinema, passed away on December 13, 1986, at the young age of 31. Her death, just two weeks after giving birth to her son Prateik Babbar, was attributed to childbirth complications. However, the circumstances surrounding her demise continue to be a subject of discussion, with allegations of medical negligence surfacing years later.
Recently, details have emerged regarding the days following Patil's death and the final preparations made for her funeral. According to her makeup artist, Deepak Sawant, Patil had expressed a specific wish during her lifetime: to be dressed as a "suhagan" (a married woman whose husband is still alive) in the event of her death. Sawant, speaking on a YouTube channel, recalled Patil often saying "I should die a married woman," even to her mother.
Following her death, Patil's sister was en route from Chicago, which meant her body was kept on ice for two to three days, causing it to swell. Sawant tearfully fulfilled Patil's wish, applying her makeup in the presence of her family and Amitabh Bachchan. He recalled, "Her mother gave me a make-up kit and Amitabh Bachchan and other people were sitting there".
Amitabh Bachchan shared a close bond with Smita Patil. A day before his near-fatal accident on the set of "Coolie" in 1982, Patil had called him late at night to inquire about his well-being, revealing she had a bad dream about him. Bachchan described the unusual call at the launch of the book 'Smita Patil: A Brief Incandescence', noting that Patil mentioned being disturbed by a premonition.
Despite her relatively short career, Smita Patil left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. She was known for her portrayals of strong, independent women, often tackling social issues in her films. Films like "Bhumika" (1977), "Mirch Masala" (1985), and "Chakra" (1981) showcased her versatility and commitment to meaningful cinema. Patil was also an active feminist and a member of the Women's Centre in Mumbai, using her platform to advocate for women's rights.
Her personal life, particularly her relationship with Raj Babbar, was often under scrutiny. Babbar was already married when he and Patil became involved, leading to criticism from the media and public. They had a son, Prateik, in 1986. After Smita's death, Raj Babbar eventually returned to his first wife, Nadira Babbar.
Smita Patil's legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers. In 2010, the Indo-American Arts Council organized an 11-film retrospective of her work in New York. Her films are considered an important part of Indian cinematic history, and her commitment to portraying strong female characters remains relevant today.
