Smita Talwalkar

Smita Talwalkar was a versatile and talented personality in the Marathi film industry. She started her career as a television newsreader for 17 years before entering acting. She made her debut as an actress in 1986 with the films Tu Saubhagyavati Ho and Gadbad Ghotala. She then ventured into film production with her first film Kalat Nakalat in 1989, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi. She also made her directorial debut with the film Sawat Mazhi Ladki in 1993, which won the Maharashtra State Film Award. She collaborated with director Sanjay Surkar for many successful films, such as Chaukat Raja, Tu Tithe Mee, Saatchya Aat Gharat and Anandache Jhaad. Tu Tithe Mee also won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi. She also produced and acted in several television serials, such as Peshwai, Avantika, Suvasini and Unch Maaza Zoka. She was known for her strong and realistic portrayal of women characters and her contribution to the social and cultural aspects of Marathi cinema. She was also a recipient of the V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. She passed away on 6 August 2014 at the age of 59 after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She is survived by her husband, son, daughter and two daughter-in-laws, who are also actresses. She is remembered as one of the most influential and respected figures in the Marathi film industry.