Smita Patil was born on 17 October 1955, in Pune, Maharashtra into a Hindu-Marathi family, to a Maharashtrian politician father, Shivajirao Girdhar Patil and social worker mother Vidyatai Patil, … See more

Debut and early success (1974-1980)
Patil began her career in the early 1970s as a television newsreader on the newly transmitting Mumbai See more

Patil died from childbirth complications (Puerperal sepsis) on 13 December 1986, age 31. Nearly two decades later, notable film director Mrinal Sen alleged that Patil had died due to "gross medical negligence". After Patil's death, her son was raised by her … See more

Patil is known among the greatest actresses of Indian cinema. On Patil's successful film career, Rachit Gupta of Filmfare noted, "Her dusky, unconventional looks, choice of roles, active socio-political career worked to her advantage. Smita … See more

Patil was an active feminist and was member of the Women's Centre in Mumbai. She attempted to portray women's issues through her different films. She was also … See more

Patil is regarded as one of the greatest and most accomplished actresses of Indian cinema. Rediff.com placed her as the second-greatest … See more

The Priyadarshni Academy started the Smita Patil Memorial Award for Best Actress, as a tribute to the veteran actress in 1986. It is awarded every other year to an actress for her contribution to Indian cinema. In 2012, the Smita Patil International Film … See more