Veteran actress Himani Shivpuri has paid an emotional tribute to late theatre legend Vijaya Mehta, recalling how the iconic director fundamentally reshaped her as a performer. Mehta, who passed away on 30 June 2026 at the age of 91, was widely regarded as one of the most transformative figures in Indian theatre.

A Defining Collaboration

Shivpuri, best known to mainstream audiences for her role in Hum Aapke Hain Koun.., worked with Mehta in the celebrated play Hamidabai ki Kothi. She described the experience as a turning point in her artistic life. Sharing a rare throwback photograph, Shivpuri wrote: 'Vijaya Mehta the legend, Vijaya Bai, as everyone called her, has passed away! I was fortunate to have worked with her in Hamidabai ki Kothi — what an amazing director. She transforms an actor. When people came to see the show, they commented, apki awaz, apki chaal hi alag thi. She transformed me. Salute to the legend! Om Shanti.'

What Made Mehta a Master

Shivpuri's tribute centred on Mehta's rare ability to draw out something distinctly individual from each performer — in her case, a voice and a stage presence that audiences immediately noticed as different. This quality, critics and collaborators have long noted, set Mehta apart from her contemporaries. Fondly known as 'Bai', she spent decades shaping Indian theatre through fearless, truth-centred storytelling.

Tributes Pour In from the Film and Theatre World

Actress Shabana Azmi was among the first to pay homage, writing: 'When you talk of artists that don't just perform — they redefine an art form. Vijaya Mehta is the first name that comes to mind. A visionary who transformed Indian theatre with curiosity and fearless creativity, she inspired generations of actors, directors, and theatre lovers. Her work wasn't merely about the stage; it was about truth, humanity, and the limitless power of storytelling.'

Azmi added: 'Today, we celebrate an artist whom I was fortunate enough to have worked with, knowing that her legacy will continue to illuminate every rehearsal room, every stage, and every artist who dares to dream. Thank you, Bai, for showing us that theatre is not just entertainment — it's a way of seeing the world, and whose influence will echo forever. Rest in peace.'

Veteran actress Bharati Achrekar also offered her heartfelt condolences to the late director and producer.

The Legacy of Vijaya Mehta

Mehta, who passed away on 30 June 2026, was 91 years old at the time of her death. Her career spanned theatre and cinema, and she remained a towering figure in both fields. Her productions were known for pushing performers beyond technique into a deeper, more human register — a quality that tributes from across the industry have consistently highlighted. Her passing marks the end of an era for Indian theatre.