Smita Patil: A Brief Incandescence

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In the three decades since Smita Patil died-at the impossibly young age of thirty-one-she has unwaveringly been one of Indian cinema's biggest icons. That is unusual enough for a 'parallel cinema' actor, rendered more remarkable in a career that spanned a mere ten years. Patil, one of the leading lights of the New Indian Cinema of the mid-1970s, has a body of work that would make veterans proud. Smita Patil: A Brief Incandescence tells her remarkable story, tracing it from her childhood to stardom, controversial marriage and untimely death.

Her close friends remember 'Smi' as outspoken and bindaas, not beyond hurling abuses or taking off on bikes for impromptu joyrides. Film-makers like Shyam Benegal and Jabbar Patel, and co-stars Om Puri and Shabana Azmi talk about Patil's dedication to her craft and her intuitive pursuit of that perfect take. From the difficult equation she shared with her mother to her propensity for 'wrong' relationships, about which she was always open unlike other stars of the time, this is a complex and honest exploration of Patil's life.

The book also includes a sharp critique of the films that defined her. They read like a roster of the best of New Indian Cinema: Bhumika, Mandi, Manthan, Umbartha, Bhavni Bhavai, Akaler Sandhane, Chakra, Chidambaram and Mirch Masala among them. Maithili Rao also examines Patil's many unfortunate forays into mainstream commercial cinema. Incisive and insightful, Smita Patil: A Brief Incandescence is an invaluable addition to film studies in India, bringing alive an entire era when cinema in India was truly different. It is also the definitive biography of a rare talent and a haunting life.

What will you learn from this book

Early Life and Background: The book provides insights into Smita Patil's upbringing, family background, and the influences that shaped her early life, including her education and exposure to the arts.
Acting Career: It chronicles Smita Patil's journey in the Indian film industry, from her early days as a theater artist to her breakthrough in Hindi cinema and her emergence as one of the most acclaimed actresses of her time.
Versatility as an Actress: The book highlights Smita Patil's versatility as an actress, showcasing her ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth, nuance, and authenticity.
Socially Relevant Films: Smita Patil was known for her choice of socially relevant films that addressed pressing issues such as poverty, injustice, and gender inequality. The book explores her commitment to meaningful cinema and her role as a catalyst for social change.
Collaborations with Filmmakers: It examines Smita Patil's collaborations with prominent filmmakers of her time, including Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, and Mrinal Sen, and the creative synergy that resulted in some of Indian cinema's most memorable films.
Critically Acclaimed Performances: The book delves into Smita Patil's critically acclaimed performances in films such as "Bhumika," "Aakrosh," and "Mirch Masala," which earned her widespread recognition and accolades.
Personal Life: While celebrating Smita Patil's professional achievements, the book also offers glimpses into her personal life, relationships, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry.
Legacy and Influence: Smita Patil's legacy extends beyond her contributions to cinema. The book explores her enduring influence on future generations of actors and filmmakers, as well as her impact on Indian society and culture.
Tragic Demise: Smita Patil's life was cut short tragically at the peak of her career. The book reflects on the circumstances surrounding her untimely death and the profound impact it had on her fans, colleagues, and the film fraternity.
Celebration of a Cultural Icon: Above all, "Smita Patil: A Brief Incandescence" serves as a tribute to Smita Patil's remarkable talent, indomitable spirit, and lasting legacy as a cultural icon whose contributions continue to resonate in Indian cinema and beyond.

Language	English
ISBN-10	9789351775126
ISBN-13	9789351775126
No of pages	368
Font Size	Medium
Book Publisher	Collins
Published Date	19 Oct 2015

About Author

Author : Maithili Rao

Maithili Rao is an ex-English lecturer who drifted into film criticism through happenstance. She has written extensively for Indian and international publications. Currently a columnist for Man's World, she has written regularly for The Hindu, Frontline, Cinema In India, Film Comment, International Film Guide, BFI website, South Asian Cinema, Gentlemen, Eve's Weekly (a long-running monthly column, 'Images of Women'), The Sunday Observer and Independent (foreign film critic for the last two). She served as member of the jury for National Awards and critics' jury at international film festivals (Sochi, MIFF-Mumbai, International children's film festival-Hyderabad, Bengaluru International film festival).

She also served as nominations council member of the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Australia. She has contributed chapters to books on Indian cinema: 'Rebels without a Cause' for the Encyclopaedia Britannica India volume on Hindi cinema; 'Heart of the Hindi Film' for Bollywood, Dakini Publications, London; 'To Be a Woman' for Frames of Mind, Indian Council for Cultural Relations; 'Images of Women' for Rasa, Vol. II, edited by Chidananda Das Gupta; Amitabh Bachchan for Icons, edited by Anil Dharker, Roli; 'Idealized Women and a Realist's Eye' for Bimal Roy: The Man Who Spoke in Pictures, edited by Rinki Bhattacharya, essays for Madhumati and Janani by Rinki Bhattacharya.

She lives in Bombay with a forbearing husband who is not interested in films but calmly survives her deadlines and film mania. An allied activity has been subtitling films from Hindi, Telugu and Kannada into English.