Shyam Benegal holds the distinction of bringing some very talented actresses in Hindi cinema. All have been as successful as the other but not once sparks flew off them. Smita Patil is one such actress who was discovered by the observant eyes of Nihalani.

This Maharashtrian dusky beauty hit the screens in 1976 by her first film 'Bhumika' opposite Nasseruddin Shah. Gradually, with films like 'Nishaant', 'Manthan', 'Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyu Aata Hain', 'Arth', 'Mandi' and 'Mirch Masala' she carved out a niche for herself in the Indian art cinema. It was 'Chakra' (1980) which turned the wheel of her career.

But then she also worked in commercial films and mostly found herself paired with Amitabh Bachchan as in 'Shakti' and 'Namak Halal'. She also did 'Aakhir Kyo' with Rajesh Khanna. The untimely death of this extraordinarily talented actress in 1989 sent shock waves through out the country. India had lost one of the most valuable people in her.