PM Narendra Modi Expresses Grief Over Vijaya Mehta’s Demise; Anupam Kher Pays Tribute To Iconic Legend

Vijaya Mehta, a veteran Marathi theatre director, actress and producer, passed away on June 30, 2026, at 91. She breathed her last at her residence in Mumbai. She died due to an age-related ailment. Vijaya Mehta aka Bai’s demise is indeed a big loss to film and theatre industries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently mourned the demise of Marathi theatre legend and said that she will be remembered as one of the towering personalities of culture and cinema. On the other hand, Anupam Kher expressed his grief over the loss of his mentor, Vijaya Bai.

PM Modi Reacts To Vijaya Mehta’s Demise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned an emotional note on his X handle. In the note, he mentioned that Vijaya Mehta was a pioneer of modern Marathi theatre. She was known for her creativity and commitment to artistic excellence. Her work inspired generations of actors, directors and theatre lovers.

PM Modi concluded his note by stating, “My thoughts are with her family, admirers and the entire artistic fraternity in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

Anupam Kher’s Heartfelt Tribute To Vijaya Bai

Anupam Kher got emotional while talking about Vijaya Mehta in a video that he shared on his X handle. In a long note, Anupam mentioned that she was one of the finest theatre minds that India has ever produced. He had the privilege of working with Vijaya in films like Rao Saheb and Pestonjee.

VIJAYA MEHTA- THE ICONIC LEGEND! 💔Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of #VijayaMehta. One of the finest theatre minds India has ever produced, an exceptional filmmaker, and above all, a remarkable

human being.🥹🥹I had the privilege of working with Vijaya Bai in Rao… pic.twitter.com/lnyOZajOLZ

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) June 30, 2026

According to Kher, he understood how vast the ocean of acting craft is under the guidance of Vijaya Mehta. He would love to become a student again. He wrote, “The heart takes much longer to accept what the mind has just been told. Thank you, Vijaya Bai, for your generosity, your affection, your guidance, and for reminding so many of us that acting is not about performing… it is about understanding life.” Not only Anupam Kher, but actors like Mukta Barve, Shabana Azmi, Bharati Achrekar and others have also thanked Vijaya Bai for her contribution to their lives.

About Vijaya Mehta

Vijaya Mehta learnt acting and drama under renowned theatre personalities Ibrahim Alkazi in Delhi and Adi Marzban in Mumbai. In the 1960s, she became one of the strongest voices of the experimental and parallel theatre movement. Actors like Nana Patekar, Anupam Kher, Neena Kulkarni, Ashok Saraf and others trained under Vijaya Mehta’s guidance. Vijaya Mehta is survived by her daughter Anahita Uberoi. Her husband Farrokh Mehta died in 2023.