Smita Talwalkar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Smita Talwalkar
Born	Smita Govilkar 5 September 1954
Died	6 August 2014 (aged 59) Mumbai, India
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Actress, producer, director
Relatives	Sulekha Talwalkar Pournima Talwalkar (daughter-in-law)

Smita Talwalkar (born Smita Govilkar; 5 September 1954 – 6 August 2014) was a very talented Indian actress, producer, and director. She mainly worked in Marathi films and television shows. Smita Talwalkar was known for her amazing work behind the scenes, winning two National Film Awards for producing the films Kalat Nakalat (1989) and Tu Tithe Mee (1998). She left a big mark on the Marathi entertainment world.

Smita Talwalkar's Career Journey

Smita Talwalkar was born on 5 September 1954. Before becoming a famous actress, she worked as a television newsreader for 17 years! This shows how dedicated she was to media.

Her first successful films as an actress were Tu Saubhagyavati Ho and Gadbad Ghotala, both released in 1986. Gadbad Ghotala was a fun comedy movie with many well-known actors.

Becoming a Film Producer

Smita Talwalkar decided to try something new and became a film producer. Her first film as a producer was Kalat Nakalat in 1989. She produced it under her own company, Asmita Chitra. This drama movie talked about sensitive family topics and the challenges families can face. The film was directed by Kanchan Nayak. It won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi at the 37th National Film Awards. This was a huge achievement for her first film!

In 1991, Smita Talwalkar acted in Chaukat Raja. She played Minal, a childhood friend of a boy with special needs. The main role was played by Dilip Prabhavalkar, who won an award for his acting. Smita Talwalkar also produced this film. She often worked with director Sanjay Surkar. Together, they made many great films like Tu Tithe Mee (1998), Saatchya Aat Gharat (2004), and Anandache Jhaad (2006).

Directing Her Own Films

After producing, Smita Talwalkar also became a director. In 1993, she directed her first film, a comedy-drama called Sawat Mazhi Ladki. This film also won a Maharashtra State Film Award.

The team of Surkar and Talwalkar continued their success with Tu Tithe Mee. This film told the story of an older couple facing difficulties in a large family. Mohan Joshi and Suhas Joshi played the main roles. Tu Tithe Mee earned Smita Talwalkar her second National Film Award.

Besides producing and directing, Smita Talwalkar also kept acting. She appeared in many films and TV shows, often in smaller but important roles.

Television Work and Production House

Under her company, Asmita Chitra, Smita Talwalkar produced about 6 films and 25 television series! Her company also worked with Zee Network to produce three films.

Some of her famous TV series include Peshwai, Avantika, Suvasini, and Unch Maaza Zoka.

• Avantika was a family drama that aired on Alpha Marathi and starred Mrinal Kulkarni.
• Peshwai was a historical show about the Peshwa rulers of Maharashtra.
• Unch Maaza Zoka was a show based on the real-life story of social activist Ramabai Ranade.

She also appeared in TV shows like Katha Ek Aanandichi and Ardhangini, which discussed important social issues. Her TV show Suvasini won the Best Serial award in 2012. Her production house even made a short documentary for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation about cleanliness, featuring the famous cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

Asmita Chitra Academy

Smita Talwalkar also ran an acting school called "Asmita Chitra Academy." This academy has branches in Pune, Mumbai, and Thane. It helps train many students (around 300 to 350) in different areas of media and acting.

She was also involved in theatre as an actress and producer. She often served as a judge for various stage events, both in India and internationally. She was even the president of a Marathi cinema festival.

Smita Talwalkar's Family Life

Smita Talwalkar got married when she was 17 years old. Her son, Amber Talwalkar, is a director at Talwalkars, a big chain of health clubs in India. Amber is married to actress Sulekha Talwalkar. Smita also had a daughter named Arti Talwalkar Moye. Her other daughter-in-law is television actress Purnima Talwalkar.

Smita Talwalkar's Passing

In 2010, Smita Talwalkar was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She received treatment for her illness. Sadly, she passed away on 6 August 2014, at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai. She was just a few weeks shy of her 60th birthday.

Selected Filmography

Films

Television

Theatre

Awards and Recognition

Smita Talwalkar received many awards for her amazing work in films and television.

• 37th National Film Awards for 1989 - Kalat Nakalat - As producer in Best Feature Film in Marathi category. She shared this award with director Kanchan Nayak.
• 46th National Film Awards for 1998 - Tu Tithe Mee - As producer in Best Feature Film in Marathi category. She shared this award with director Sanjay Surkar.

Other Awards

• 1992 - Maharashtra State Film Awards - Second Best Feature Film for Sawat Mazhi Ladki.
• 1999 - Ga Di Ma Award for the film Tu Tithe Mee.
• 2010-11 - V. Shantaram Special Contribution Award by Maharashtra Government.
• 2012 - Ma-Ta Sanmaan as Best Serial for Suvasini.