By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
Smita Patil, the dusky beauty, had unarguably become a legend, a cult, in her life time. The actress received more media attention posthumously. A keenly devoted actress on screen as in her real life, Smita made many an eye brow raised when she appeared on the film horizon . She acted boldly, accepting challenges as though they were price trophies. She volunteered to do roles which no other actress of her day would touch even with a bargepole, or a pair of tongs. Her roles in “Manthan”, “Bhumika”, “Nishant”, “Chakra”, “Aakrosh”( all ‘art’ films) and “Arth”, “Ardh Satya”, “Shakti” & “Mirch Masala” ( in commercial genre) speaks volumes of her passion & dedication for work & will remain etched in the minds and memories of Indian cine-goers for years to come.
One of Smita’s most cherished desires was to work in a Punjabi film in the role of a Punjabi ‘mutiyaar’. Unfortunately this desire was fired and triggered by Rama Vij’s role in “Chan Pardesi”. Smita was so impressed with “Chan Pardesi” that she expressed her desire to Raj Babbar. Raj Babbar had played the role of Rama Vij’s son ( out of wedlock) in “Chan Pardesi”. Babbar promised that he would make a film on his own with a similar theme. But Destiny, it seemed, willed otherwise. The project had to be abandoned.
It was right about that time that Raj was signed to act in film “Waris”, based on a Punjabi fictional work. Raj Babbar suggested the producers that Smita Patil be given the pivotal role of Kharbanda’s daughter-in-law. The producers could not say no to Raj & consented to include Smita in the cast.
The film was shot in a village near Karnal in 1985. I was then posted there. I went to cover the shooting with a friend officer on a luna bike to the venue where the shooting was underway. It was swampy & full of mud; a place difficult to reach. Since I knew Babbar I could talk to Smita and Kharbanda, albeit brief as it was a working day & I was to reach back after lunch break. Amrish Puri had since returned to Bombay. Before the film could be completed, Smita died in tragic circumstances. The dubbing was reportedly done by Rekha. Smita was too happy with her role & her performance. Unfortunately, she cold not see her work in the film.
Also featured in few mainstream films like “Namak Halaal” & “Shakti” (1982) , “Ghungroo”(1985) , “Awam” & “Insaniyat Ke Dushman” (1987). ‘Galiyon Ka Badshah’ starring Mithun Chakraborty & Danny was her last film released in 1989.
