In a poignant tribute on the 37th death anniversary of the late Smita Patil, renowned for her impactful yet tragically brief career in Hindi and Marathi cinema, insiders from the film industry shed light on the actress’s unwavering professionalism.
One noteworthy incident came to light from the posthumous release of the film ‘Dance Dance’ in 1987, where Smita Patil portrayed the role of Mithun Chakraborty’s sister. Prior to filming the song ‘Super Dancer,’ director B Subhash learned of Smita’s pregnancy. Understanding the dance-centric theme of the film and the significance of the brother-sister relationship, Smita proposed a solution to ensure continuity in the project.
In a demonstration of her commitment, Smita suggested capturing only her close-up shots for the song while concealing her pregnancy with the use of loose attire. The actress aimed to avoid taking a maternity leave, recognizing the potential impact on the film and its team.
A senior industry insider, who witnessed Smita’s dedication on the sets, shared with ETimes, “B. Subhash agreed, and ‘Super Dancer’ was shot with her radiant face, reflecting the charm of motherhood. My very dear friend Jagdish Aurangabadkar was the PRO of the film, and I attended the shooting of ‘Dance Dance’ several times, and she would always greet Jagdish in chaste Marathi.”
Smita Patil’s legacy endures not only for her outstanding performances but also for her remarkable professionalism and dedication to her craft, as highlighted by this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of ‘Dance Dance.’ As we remember the iconic actress on her death anniversary, her contributions to Indian cinema remain etched in the hearts of admirers.
