Entertainment / Thu, 21 May 2026 News18

She Was A Doordarshan Newsreader Before Becoming One Of Indian Cinema’s Finest Actresses

2 / 10 In the early 1970s, Smita began her career as a newsreader on Mumbai Doordarshan. Her distinctive husky voice, calm confidence, and striking screen presence quickly made her a familiar face across Indian households. 4 / 10 Smita shot to critical acclaim with her powerful role in Shyam Benegal’s Manthan (1976), playing a strong-willed village woman fighting for a milk cooperative. The role won her the National Film Award for Best Actress at just 22. 6 / 10 Smita became a leading light of India’s New Wave with intense, authentic performances in classics like Nishant, Chakra (her second National Award), Umbartha, Aakrosh, and Mirch Masala.

Last Updated: May 21, 2026, 18:08 IST

1 / 10 Born on 17 October 1955 in Pune, Maharashtra, into a progressive and politically active family, Smita Patil showed early passion for arts, theatre, and literature.

3 / 10 Her magnetic presence on television caught the eye of acclaimed director Shyam Benegal, who saw in her the perfect talent for meaningful cinema.

4 / 10 Smita shot to critical acclaim with her powerful role in Shyam Benegal’s Manthan (1976), playing a strong-willed village woman fighting for a milk cooperative.

5 / 10 In 1977, she delivered a career-defining performance as real-life actress Hansa Wadkar in Bhumika. The role won her the National Film Award for Best Actress at just 22.

6 / 10 Smita became a leading light of India’s New Wave with intense, authentic performances in classics like Nishant, Chakra (her second National Award), Umbartha, Aakrosh, and Mirch Masala.

7 / 10 Celebrated for her raw intensity, emotional depth, and refusal to be typecast, Smita brought rare realism and dignity to every character she played.

8 / 10 While rooted in parallel cinema, she also shone in mainstream films like Namak Halaal, Shakti, Bazaar, Arth, and Mandi, proving her remarkable range.

9 / 10 Smita was in a relationship with actor Raj Babbar. In 1986 she gave birth to their son Prateik Babbar.