Uttara Baokar, a veteran of Indian stage, film, and television, passed away on April 12, 2023, leaving behind a career that spanned decades and showcased her exceptional acting talent. She was 78 years old.
Life on stage
Born in 1944, Uttara Baokar graduated from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, where she studied under the legendary theatre director Ebrahim Alkazi. Her talent as an actress was immediately recognized, and she went on to become one of the most sought-after performers in the Indian theatre scene.
Baokar’s acting prowess was on full display in some of her most iconic roles, such as Padmavati in Mukyamantri, Mena in Mena Gurjari, Desdemona in Shakespeare’s Othello, and the mother in Girish Karnad’s Tughlaq. Her performances were nuanced, powerful, and unforgettable, earning her the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Acting (Hindi theatre) in 1984.
Contribution to Indian cinema
Baokar’s talent was not limited to the stage, as she also made a mark in the world of cinema. She appeared in several Marathi films, including Doghi (1995), Uttarayan (2005), Shevri (2006), and Restaurant (2006), winning the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Ek Din Achanak in 1988.
As news of her passing spreads, tributes are pouring in from the Indian entertainment industry and beyond, with many praising Baokar for her incredible talent and the impact she had on the world of Indian theatre and cinema.
Uttara Baokar’s legacy will live on through her unforgettable performances, which continue to inspire and entertain audiences to this day. She will be sorely missed but forever remembered as a true icon of Indian theatre and cinema.
