The best of Smita Patil

Mirch Masala (1987)

Often mistaken to be Smita's last film (actually several of her films were released thereafter), Mirch Masala was the first important release after her death. It held a special poignance.

In this superior Ketan Mehta venture, Smita plays the fiery Sonbai who works in a mirchi factory and takes on some of the product's pungency. She refuses to give in when the tin pot despot of her area (Naseeruddin Shah) casts a covetous eye on her. He bends every rule in the book to have her while the villagers watch helplessly.

Finally, Smita and a group of fellow female workers barricade themselves behind the gates of the factory. Naseer lays siege outside.

The psychology of those under siege -- literally and figuratively -- is beautifully captured in the film. The sometimes-contentious sometimes-collaborative relationship between the group of women in the barring out is also well portrayed.

Smita, of course, is resplendent as the indomitable woman who discovers that self determination can be had even with the help of some mirchi powder.

Also read: Remembering Smita Patil

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