Anil Kapoor remembers Rita Bhaduri: She was full of warmth, always cheerful

Rita Bhaduri

Neither did I know Rita Bhaduri socially, nor had I met her [outside of] work, yet, she had a lasting impression on me. She was among the finest actors that the Film and Television Institute (FTII), Pune gave us. She was my friend and Shabana Azmi's batchmate. So, we had that connect.

Rita was full of warmth, and would always spread cheer. Acting came naturally to her. My father [Surinder Kapoor] would always encourage FTII students. For him, they were special, and so was Rita. I always remembered her [wearing] a smile on her face.

Jaya Bhattacharya at the funeral

We connected during the shoot of Kalpataru's Ghar Ho To Aisa (1990), which had Meenakshi Seshadri, Raj Kiran and Kader Khan as co-stars. The family drama had her play the role of a married woman who continued to stay with her husband at her maternal home, dominating everyone. On screen, she was this [woman who was constantly] scheming and plotting. But, as soon as the cameras were turned off, she would laugh with everyone. She could get in and out of characters in a jiffy.

Satish Shah

We found ourselves working together again in Indra Kumar's Beta (1992), and Priyadarshan's Virasat (1997), which was shot near Coimbatore. As it was a rural area, and we were shooting in a start-to-finish schedule, the unit bonded after work. We were a happy family on set. Later, she moved to TV, and I did not act with her. But, memories [of her] linger.

Shishir Sharma. Pic/Satej Shinde

As told to Shaheen Parkar

Bhaduri's demise
Bhaduri, whose film and television career spanned five decades, was 62 when she passed away at Vile Parle's Sujay Hospital. She was fighting a weak kidney and was on dialysis twice a week. The funeral was held in Chakala. Bhaduri was last seen as Imarti Devi in Nimki Mukhiya.

Vibha Chibber former co-star
I had a great time working with her on Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein.She had a big heart and would often bring home-cooked food for us. She was one of the most senior actors I have worked with till date. She bonded with the entire team, and never tried to [establish her seniority] amidst others.

Sumeet Raghavan former co-star
We had done a show called Hudd Kar Di, which ran for two years. I won't forget the taste of her mutton and prawns curry that she'd get on set. I remember, I would love singing the song [Yeh Raatein Nayi Purani] from Julie (1975) that featured her. And she loved to hear me sing. May her soul rest in peace.

Rubina Dilaik, former co-star
She was warm-hearted, and professional. She would care for every member on set, and would get dhoklas every month for the unit. Her spirit was young; she would even attend our parties. We never saw her angry or agitated. I have learnt patience by watching her. Even after the show got over, we kept in touch.

Zama Habib Nimki Mukhiya producer
She had not been shooting with us since the past 20 days due to a back problem. She underwent surgery twice, but to no avail. She was in severe pain, her health was deteriorating. She was a gem and extremely professional. New actors should have learnt professionalism from her.

Compiled by Letty Mariam Abraham

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