Indian cinema lost one of its brightest stars, Smita Patil, in death-defyingly tragic circumstances on 13 December 1986. At the tender age of 31, the talented actress left behind a legacy that is still so fondly enjoyed.
Smita had just given birth to her son, Prateik Babbar, but ever since then, she had been frail. She often had a feverish and weak sensation, but that particular day, she was committed to looking after her newborn baby. She was unwell and woke up to her crying baby, fed on breast milk, and managed to feel a little less of the fever with her damp cloth. A doctor who visited her in the morning advised rest and administered saline, hoping to stabilize her condition. At first, the day seemed to go on, but she began to feel increasingly restless. She later narrated it to her friend actress Poonam Dhillon in a telephone conversation during the afternoon when she was feeling particularly low. Smita asked Poonam to come over: she said she would feel alright if she had someone besides herself. The talk epitomized the vulnerability and need for assurance in Smita’s current situation of distress.
As it was turning out to be a late evening, Smita wished her husband, Raj Babbar, could take her along with him, adding that the presence of this person made her feel better. He dissuaded her in anticipation of her health deteriorating but wasn’t aware that the simple wish would turn out to be her final one.
Just after putting her to bed, he came back to find that she was having a pale look and having acute spasms with blood vomit. With all efforts, an attempt was made to connect with the doctor but Smita’s condition worsened immediately. She fell into a coma within no time and her brain stopped functioning. Her family and film industry were shocked by her news.
Smita’s sudden demise sent shockwaves across the nation, marking an irreparable loss for Indian cinema. Her mother, Vidya Patil, later recounted the heartbreaking final moments, highlighting how unexpected and swift the tragedy was.
Even decades later, Smita Patil’s artistry and contributions to Indian cinema remain unparalleled.
BIRTHDAY SPECIAL! Smita Patil talks about objectification of women in films in an old interview; netizens shower praise on the late actress – ‘Very intelligent’
