New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- Smita Patil was not just an actress, she redefined the role of heroines in Indian cinema by deglamourising and adding more substance to their portrayal in mainstream films.
Born on October 17, 1955, in Pune, Smita Patil, with her raw intensity, deep empathy, and unshakeable authenticity, personified the spirit of the true Indian woman - "zamin ki aurat. mitti ki aurat" - the woman of the earth, as she used to refer to herself.
Patil, who passed away on December 13, 1986, would have completed 70 had she been alive today.
Starting from humble roots to being one of the most iconic names in the history of Indian cinema, Smita's life was nothing less than remarkable.
Born to Shivajirao Girdhar Patil, a prominent politic...