Real Face of the Rahul Gandhi-CJP 'anti-Modi' Agitation ::: It started with 'Degrade Modi regime' and possibly will lead the society towards a Civil war

Facebook, Twitter, and other major social media played a key role in the movement of Egyptian and Tunisian activists in particular. In 2026, Instagram did that job during Jantar Mantar protest.  

The protests in India especially in Delhi hardly seem to have rise through any organic domestic issue-based movement. Right from the beginning a 'motive' was being felt. When a supposedly mainstream political party - the Congress - backed the hit-and-run methods vis-a-vis making of wild allegations -- the agitation had entered the 'dangerous dimensions'  box. 

Target is Modi : Real Goal is to 'derail' India's march in Development and Security paradigm

A confident India is never to the comfort of global players. Many see the on-going protests in India as part of a wider conspiracy to strengthen American grip in Indian politics and market. It is clear now on who all from India attended the Oslo Freedom Summit. 

•***  The 18th edition took place in Oslo from June 1–3, 2026, under the theme "Dismantling Dictatorship", drawing over 1,500 in-person attendees from 111 countries.

** The upcoming Oslo Freedom Forum 2027 is scheduled for May 31 – June 2, 2027, in Oslo, Norway.  

During the Arab Spring, people created pages on Facebook to raise awareness about alleged crimes against humanity, such as police brutality in the Egyptian Revolution. In India - it all started wayback in 2015-16.  

Burhan Wani (19 September 1994 – 8 July 2016) was the leader of Hizbul Mujahideen, an Islamist terrorist organization in Jammu and Kashmir.

He had become a popular figure amongst the local Kashmiri populace, having done so primarily through a strong social media presence. He was responsible for moulding the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir into a youth-oriented movement. 

Wani also had reportedly recruited numerous foot-soldiers through his personal efforts. In subsequent period, there was an anti-CAA protest mostly spreading utter lies that the new Law will disenfranchise Muslim voters. Then we had Manipur. 

Girl stone pelters in action in Jammu and Kashmir

In every such protest, directly or indirectly - by design or default - women participation was encouraged. Muslim women sat on Dharna for weeks in Delhi at Shaheen Bagh. In the name of 'farmers' agitation' - a sensitive and politically vulnerable Sikh community was identified. 

The 'regime change' agenda actually is guided through four-five steps.  First -- 'degrade the existing regime in power'. PM Narendra Modi-led dispensation faced the same as cited above -- step by step. It is natural that any democracy will have a regime which has flaws. India too has. Hence, the detractors have not only tried to identify the same; these demerits would have to be 'amplified'. 

Second plan -- is organisations like CJP would not need to work hard as a backgrounder or for a starting point. There would be other elements in the ecosystem who would help the CJP. This exactly happened.   

Next crucial angle - is to present such an organisation as an 'apolitical'. The CJP came with such an image and a local man tasked to shoulder is incidentally 'selected' carefully. Here that role has been give to a Dalit - technically a Hindu. This also highlights the caste-division faultline among Hindus. 

An agenda that is used by Christians and other lobbies to frustrate Indians. Next, we may take a closer look and understand what is 'Logical fallacy'. 

This is again a very powerful tool in the propaganda warfare.

Once you know about logical fallacies, you'll see them everywhere. 

The more 'practised' you become at spotting Fallacies - the better you can be at identifying flaws in people's thinking. 

How do these Logical Fallacy argument work - Ask CJP leaders who is financing you - they will say - "Ask BJP. You can check BJP records, you will know who is financing us". This is also Marxists way of argument.  

Ask Dipke, what did you really study in Boston ... he would say - "Did you ask Modi, what about his qualification?" Rahul Gandhi has mastered these styles and mannerism pretty fast. 

Ask any uncomfortable question in any press conference - he would say - "Are you working for BJP"? 

Next important aspect of the protest -- would be Caste-based issues .. or even matters related to regional imbalances and confrontation like how North Indian states would benefit more than the southern states if the number of MPs in parliament is increased through theprocess of Delimitaion. Then the agitation would be led to a level of 'state retaliation'. This happened quiet quickly in Dhaka. 

In July, the protesters ' masterminds expected such a phenomenon in Delhi. This is to trigger bigger confrontation and violence.  

Blogger and 'Mao image' 

In the past, the term "Spring" illustrated the problematic nature of projecting Western expectations onto non-Western actors and practices. 

The terminology follows the Western example of the Revolutions of 1848 referred to as "Spring of Nations" and the Prague Spring in 1968, in which a Czech student, Jan Palach, set himself on fire.

In the aftermath of the Iraq War, it was used by various commentators and bloggers who anticipated a major Arab movement towards democratization. 

The term "Arab Spring" is thus contested as it signifies an expectation that the events would replicate the example of democratic revolutions set by the West.

As stated above - the growth graph of India and managing of oil crises and other issues have irked the global players. 

The fact of the matter is that the 'unity' of purpose by common Indians and the country's march has actually challenged the disruption lobby and secessionist movements. 

ends 

SP Kamjong replaced ::::: Manipur unrest: 15 Kuki homes set ablaze, civilians seek refuge in forests, army camp ::::: Kamjong: Three Injured, Houses Damaged; Suspected Munition Found

Three Injured, Houses Damaged; Suspected Munition Found in Kamjong 

Manipur unrest: 15 Kuki homes set ablaze, civilians seek refuge in forests, army camp  

Jay Barange, IPS, presently posted as Addl. SP, Imphal West, has been transferred and posted as SP, Kamjong.

Tholu Rocky, MPS, presently holding charge as SP, Kamjong, has been transferred and posted as out as i/c AD/MPTC.

"The transfer order has been issued in the public interest," sources said.

In the meantime, sources clamed one Assam Rifles Jawan injured in a bid to save civilian life. 

"His heroics and efforts of others resulted in safety of around 250 civilians..," says an eyewitness. 

Kuki villages set ablaze : Chassad (Kamjong) 

A Kuki civilian was killed and four others injured in an earlier attack on Chassad village, while suspected militants also targeted Tangkhul Naga civilians in a separate incident in Kamjong   

Chassad (Kamjong) :: Kuki villages set ablaze 

Suspected militants torched at least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki community in Manipur’s Kamjong district late on Saturday, driving scores of residents from their homes and forcing them to seek refuge in nearby forest areas and an Army camp, officials said on Sunday.

The attack on Chassad village came hours after a Kuki civilian was killed and four others were injured in a shooting by suspected militants earlier in the day, officials said.  

Several houses belonging to the Tangkhul Naga community were reportedly affected amid renewed violence in Chassad village and surrounding areas of Kamjong district on Saturday night. Suspected munition fragments were found by the locals on Sunday morning.

Kamjong Police were in the process of retrieving the suspected munitions at the time of filing this report. 

In a statement, police said a joint column of the Assam Rifles, the Border Security Force and Kamjong Police had been deployed in the affected area to bring the situation under control. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the violence in Chassad, expressing grief over the death of the Kuki civilian and concern for the injured village leaders and displaced families.  

Kipgen said she had instructed the district administration, state police and security forces to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, protect civilian lives and property, and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

In a separate incident at Kamjong district headquarters on Saturday night, three Tangkhul Naga civilians sustained bullet injuries when rival armed groups belonging to another community attacked the village.

One Kuki killed in the fire fight 

One Bullet reportedly in a Security Wing camp : Chassad

S C Jamir Interview ::: ".... We coined a phrase ‘Peace Offensive" :::::: "I realised that many people would talk about me and my ideas without truly knowing me"

Blogger (Question) :

Sir, you have seen pre-Independent India for a brief spell. Then came 1947 .... of course there was violence in Nagaland in 195os and then Statehood in 1963 ... Today, you are 95; India too has come a long way. How do you look back ?  

S C Jamir : It has been a pretty long innings. Everything happening in front of our eyes. The world has changed a lot. So have the people. Young people's knowledge base on science and technology is commendable. I am at times surprised to see how my grand children are smart and wise enough about use of technology. I was born in 1931. Transformation in my life itself, the social media, the Whatsapp ... we have seen the Telegram days. 

Long distance telephone calls offered unique experience. The car revolution in India ... I can go on.  

It's not joy-ride : It's a Spl love and Honour: S C Jamir giving me a 'drive' - Dec 2022 

# What about the Naga life? And the socio-political challenges?  

S C Jamir : Even after so many decades, we have not able to resolve Naga political problem is also a puzzle in itself. I am at pain about that. During my Matric – we had to walk from Mokokchung to Kohima (a distance of 144 km from Jamir’s hometown to state capital) to appear the exam. But Nagas have been political stakeholders all along.

I or even my friends and political rivals of that era saw politics as a different stage of life. It was never about power alone. We tried to contribute politically. I can fondly remember my friends, my elders and also political rivals – Dr Imkongliba, P Shilu Ao, Vizol... Hokishe Sema.

In 1993 - when I said Nagaland elections should be on three Rs ... focusing on Reconciliation everyone liked it. We struggled for Reconciliation. We coined a phrase ‘Peace Offensive’.   



Question:

Of course, the social challenges have also opened windows for economic reforms. The world around North East India has changed a lot.


S C Jamir: True, things have changed a lot. Well said, even in my life some changes came pretty fast. In my young days ... the days of early years of Naga movement and our struggles. Things changed all of a sudden, my sincerity impressed my seniors. Initial years of my days in the Naga People’s Convention, I was a very good listener. I was no longer just an ordinary politician; everyone thought I would be an unexpected phenomenon. Everyone encouraged me to work harder.

In my long career  - I found one thing was certain -- I realised that many people would also talk about me and my ideas without truly knowing me.
All of a sudden, I became the most harassed Naga politician. But amid all that; I found and always believed .. Nagas were united. They would stick together irrespective of any differences. Nagas are united by a shared purpose.

 

 

Ques: What was that purpose or goal?

 

S C Jamir:  

The fight to achieve a lasting peace, development and better days for their children. Naga sense of self-determination was a cherished affair. Leaders of the yesterday’s years had full commitments towards this cause and they gave their all for this. But today in the name of Naga cause there had been mushrooming of factions and they started exploiting the common people of Nagaland. There were people who would often show disregard to Statehood, mislead people and youths and at the same time demand all benefits from the state government.

 

Question:

 

I may like to take you back to the pre-Statehood days. Till 1947 the Naga Hills was a district of Assam .. Except Wakching of the present Mon district and Longkim- Chari of the present Tuensang district, the rest were ‘unadministered areas’.

 

S C Jamir: That's correct. The district head quarter of Tuensang was opened only in 1948.  The fact of the matter is trouble had been brewing in the Naga Hills since 1954 with occasional killings by the underground. Kohima town was besieged by armed Nagas in 1956 and in rural areas - teachers and GBs came under attack.

Because of armed conflicts between the Indian Security force and the Naga underground the entire Naga areas were plunged into bloodshed and thereby making the lives of the inhabitants of Naga areas became miserable.. At this crucial juncture overground leaders of both the Naga Hills and Tuensang Frontier division decided to intervene  to restore peace in the land.. 

 

Shashimeren Aier played an important part towards this end. With the collective efforts of all overground leaders the first Naga peoples Convention was held at Kohima on from 22^nd to 26 August  1957 to  discuss and deliberate and explore all possible means for restoration of peace.

 

Question : Please carry on Sir.

S C Jamir:  The first Naga People's Convention as held at Kohima from 22^nd to26th August 1957. On Sept 25, 1957, a Naga delegation met Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. On the following day on 26 September 1957, the delegation had a full discussion with Shri S. Dutt, Foreign Secretary, and B.R. Acharya, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs.  In the first day when the delegation met the Prime Minister; we thanked the Prime Minister and also a request was made for amnesty. Nehru agreed the amnesty.

On the question of amnesty the Prime Minister said that the amnesty contemplated would also include those who were in jail for offences committed against the state. As a result of the first Naga Peoples Convention the Naga Hills was separated from  Assam so also Tuensang Frontier division  from NEFA  and formed into a separate administrative Unit called  NHTA (Naga Hills Tuensang Area) was formed.

 

After the formation of the state of Nagaland during the time of Interim Body  administration, R C Chiten Jamir was sent to Ukhrul in Manipur. A big meeting was arranged with the help of M. L. Kampani, senior officer of Manipur Union Territory at Ukhrul. Chiten told them that in the Sixteen Point Agreement with GoI, the demand was made for Integration of Naga inhabited areas into Nagaland and therefore pleaded the Nagas of Manipur to join Nagaland. But they (Nagas of Manipur) totally rejected.

 

Brighter Kashmir - Sept 17, 2026 

# Now Sir, I would like to know about some of the Naga symbols. The 'stones' - for example. Often 'dress' also implied status. What about Head Hunting?

S C Jamir: 

It's quite an elaborate subject. The Stone Culture has been an integral part of Naga life. When a memorial stone is raised; the village male population sportingly perform the herculean task of stone-pulling. The log drums and crafts of wood were also important elements.

The origin of Nagas is still a wide subject to work on. The head-hunting must be something to fear about ? But Nagas are very hospitable people. You must be cherishing your younger days in Nagaland.... Head hunting was reported in 1962 and later in 1990. It is a very complicated subject. Among some Nagas; skulls of animals and otherwise are buried since the belief was that such practice enhanced the fertility of the soil. But let's talk about positive things. We do not have beggars. Everyone is self- sufficient in a Naga village. The females have a fairly high status in Naga society.

 

 

Question: 

Lately, you created a sensation. At the age of 95, your politics has created ripples in Naga politics. People would remember this for years. 

 

S C Jamir: (Laughs mildly) I did not do anything unusual. To solve Naga problem; I can meet any communist or any RSS leader. This is what I did. I explained the factual position .... the RSS intervention is necessary as things are stuck up somewhere. I have interacted with many key stakeholders ... pressed for an early Solution. Even after signing Framework Agreement and Agreed Position; we have not reached the desired goal. That is my concern.  

 

ends 

    

Anti Modi Sickularism is working full steam ::: The Ecosystem, western media etc - as always -- are again being SLAVE TO a Convenient Dynasty

They are working full steam. The favourite past time of the ecosystem and Sickularism-zindabad gang now is to lionise the image of Rahul Gandhi.  The logic need not work. 

Hence, constant efforts to present Rahul Gandhi as a game-changer. The sycophancy was visible in the 2004-05 era. Ordinary Indians are not surprised. But the faceless Indians are slowly being told that a 'change' is a must in democracy. The same argument 'change' is a must did not apply to West Bengal - first for 34 years under Marxists and then under Mamata Banerjee and a corrupt dispensation in every sense.   

Wikipedia says, -- Regime change is the partly forcible or coercive replacement of one government regime with another. 

It is typically understood as a violation of the sovereignty of the target state. 

Regime change may replace all or part of the state's most critical leadership system, administrative apparatus, or bureaucracy. 

Regime change may occur through domestic processes, such as revolution, coup, or reconstruction of government following state failure or civil war.  The Sickular intellectuals are missing these definitions rather deliberately. 

Look how a 'convenient' twist has been given by P Chidambaram, a longtime family-retainer type loyalist.

"Regime change is normal in a democracy. The duty of the Opposition is to 'oppose, expose and depose' the government. Which means: oppose in politics, expose in Parliament and depose through elections," he has tweeted. 

'India Today' gives an immensely sycophancy-filled headline - 

"How Rahul Gandhi has reset protest clock to emerge as India's prime-time hero".  In 2005, this magazine - once prestigious - wrote a classic chamchagiri edit. There are many others and especially individuals. They too are working hard.  

".... the BJP is trying to restore the political narrative around the SIR. It does not seem to be working fully. Even global media outlets have now begun to question the SIR exercise," says a piece in Kolkata's tabloid - which till May 2026 believed and glorified the 15-year of misrule of 'aapa'. 

The broadsheet tabloid in 2015 called Smriti Irani 'aunty India' -- after her fiery speech had pricked the Tukde Tukde gang.

  

Oxford Dictionary defines 'Regime Change' as -- “the replacement of one government or political system with another, particularly a complete change of government - often one brought about or influenced by force, military intervention, or external pressure from another country.”  

The Congress and the ecosystem know well the power of 'pressure from another country'. Here 'several countries' are involved. The Congress has two favourites - China and Pakistan. And the latter is directly linked to their vote bank. The uneasiness at India's growth story is understood. The way Congress behaved after Operation Sindoor is well known. They have the track record of questioning Indian army. 

The Leftists have always thrived with their anti-India agenda. That's their forte. I know low-level communist workers and even supporters in Tripura and West Bengal - who say -- "What's a country?" 

We find there is a merit in the argument put across by lawyer and a BJP associate Mahesh Jethmalani. 

"Unfortunately, verbal choreography cannot make inconvenient connotations disappear," he says. 

Take few specific examples. The BJP MP has cited already that in 20 Assembly seats from West Bengal where the 'highest deletions' took place -- 13 of the seats went to the undivided Trinamool and only six landed in the BJP’s kitty.  

Moreover, no opposition chief minister especially the one in Kerala - has the authority to defend CEC and the SIR - the exercise which he earlier had helped him to win 2026 assembly polls against Marxists.

PM Modi's trusted friend and Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief ministers - Devendra Fadnavis, Yogi Adityanath and Samrat Choudhary among others have used strong vocabulary to dismiss the Opposition’s charges against Gyanesh Kumar. And they have reasons as the election process in India was always something to cherish and be proud of. 

A stigma has been attached to the process of polls and the election panel by the opposition parties solely guided by their hatred for Narendra Modi.  

On the other hand, there is a fundamental lacuna in the opposition camp. 

From time to time, the INDI- alliance bloc talk about 'substance and signs' of unity but the October 6 demonstrations have clearly leeft partners anguished. The reason is simple - as of now the ecosystem has given a fresh lease of life to the dynasty and the crown (occasionally clown) prince.  

What was supposed to be a joint event turned into a “Rahul Gandhi-Priyanka Vadra show” that showcased only the siblings and the Congress party. 

The selective-style is unique. Attack the EC - it started with EVM and now the CEC and the SIR -- but when you get a favourable verdict -- rush for swearing in. The Congress even dumped an ally and jumped into the Vijay camp in Tamil Nadu.  

"... sharp differences among opposition forces can only weaken their efforts to defeat the BJP. The BJP can be expected to step up efforts to deepen these divisions in the coming months," says an article in 'The Diplomat'.   

On Sept 25, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke  urged opposition parties to stop participating in elections if they believe the electoral process is being rigged, saying their continued participation only legitimises such polls and creates an "illusion" that they are free and fair. 

This idea will not be acceptable to the opportunist class. The ecosystem has hence started seeking legitimacy for Rahul as a vote-getter. 

Take this example - "From a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in July to successive demonstrations demanding Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar's resignation in October, Rahul's street politics has acquired a recognisable and apparent rhythm," - 'India Today'. 

However, the boycott theory will not work with the Congress and other parties too. In ensuing Punjab polls - the Congress has a fair chance of coming back to power. Incidentally - it that happens - the victim will be APP and a mentor/hidden sponsor of the CJP.   

"There is no question of boycott of polls. It will be more than self-goal. It will be suicide. An opposition boycott of elections could deprive the election of legitimacy. However, the BJP would get a few friendly parties to contest the elections," says a Congress leader in West Bengal (now sidelined and is immensely displeased). 

Agreeing with him a former Congress leader in Assam says: "We believe Congress is gaining ground in the national level. Muslim support base is with us even as Nagaon election defeat is a 'model' on how to lose election. The overwhelming mass support for Modi is on decline. Thus, staying away from elections will be against our interests."  

The single biggest challenge is 'protest' in Delhi by itself cannot have resonance nationwide. India is too big for that. And Congress has bags full of ego when it comes to 'treating' the allies and at the same time, its own organisational strength is near zero across India. 

It is a party - which believes - it can come back to power after BJP does some major mistakes. In 2004 - it was 'India Shining' campaign.

ends 

At least 19 people killed and 35 injured after stampede at Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata :::: PM Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh

According to Kolkata Police, the stampede occurred at the exit gate of the Sarada Park (Chor Bagan) Durga Puja pandal, under Girish Park police station, as devotees gathered in large numbers despite the rain.   

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each person who died. Those injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.

The police said around 35 people had been taken to MCH at the time of its statement, adding that further details were awaited.  At least 19 people were killed and around 35 injured after a stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in North Kolkata on Saptami evening.

The incident occurred around 7.40 pm on October 17 amid heavy crowding and rain, with reports suggesting that a section of the pandal collapsed under crowd pressure.

The injured were rescued and taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital (MCH) for treatment. Police, fire brigade personnel and disaster management teams were deployed at the site, and the pandal was subsequently closed to visitors.  

Jayanta Banerjee, general secretary of the Chorbagan Durga Puja Committee, has resigned from his post following the stampede. All other office-bearers of the committee have also confirmed their resignations in the aftermath of the incident.

West Bengal minister Umesh Rai confirmed the deaths in the Chorbagan stampede. He said all state government programmes scheduled for tomorrow have been cancelled, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s pre-scheduled meeting.

EYEWITNESSES CITE NARROW GATES, POOR LIGHTING

An eyewitness said that several people lost consciousness amid the rush and that some were taken away on motorcycles.  

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal reached Calcutta Medical College and Hospital following reports of the incident. West Bengal Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee also visited the injured at the hospital.

"Dr Jamir dedicated his entire life for the well being of the people of Nagaland and the national interest of India", says West Bengal Guv Ravi

"Dr S C Jamir has dedicated his entire life for the well being of the people of Nagaland and the national interest of India. 

A man with enormous courage of conviction and uncanny clarity of vision, Dr Jamir was an architect of the Nagaland state that constitutionally safe guarded the unique culture and identity of the people of Nagaland," West Bengal Governor R N Ravi said in honour of the veteran Naga leader S C Jamir.  

"The people of Nagaland shall ever remain grateful to him for the services he has rendered to them".

Ravi's special message was read out in his absence by Suman Dasgupta, Senior Deputy Secretary to Governor West Bengal. After reading out the message and offering bouquet and a shawl to Jamir on behalf of West Bengal Governor --- Dasgupta touched feet of the former chief minister and his wife Mrs Imkonglemla.  

Shri S C Jamir also released a booklet in honour of his wife on the occasion. 

The booklet penned by Jamir himself is titled - 'Imkonglemla --- The Lighthouse, the Rock and the Anchor of my Family'.  

Speaking on the occasion, he said - "More than 60 years, I have been fully and solely dedicated to public service" ... and in this long stint every burden of looking after the family and children fell on his wife.

A small function was organised at Jamir's residence near Dimapur. Born on Oct 17, 1931. Jamir turned 96 on Saturday. 

He has served with all the Prime Ministers since independence starting with Jawaharlal Nehru -- with whom Jamir was associated as his parliamentary secretary. 

A few years back, PM Narendra Modi described him as a 'statesman'. Jamir was Governor of Gujarat for five months when Modi was the state chief minister.  

ends 

Bollywood too has been a male dominated ... ==== Smita Patil, who expired only 31, was amongst the few who broke away the shackles -- she represented the 'fierce subversion' of the male gaze

Born on Sept 17, 1955, Smita Patil expired on Dec 13, 1986.

She was merely 31. But she left a powerful screen image. He performance completely dismantled the traditional, highly decorative role of mainstream Hindi film heroines. 

Her legacy is therefore characterized by an unfiltered social realism, profound stillness, and a fierce subversion of the male gaze.

It goes without stating that like the rest of the world, the Bollywood too has been a male dominated world of its own or an industry. But as has been the case elsewhere yet again - only a few women stars could break away from the shackles. 

Smita was one of them - fewest of the fews !  

Smita's style and mannerism on screen was defined by an 'economy of expression' - as they put it.

Rather than relying on loud histrionics, she communicated deep internal conflicts through her remarkably expressive, kohl-rimmed eyes. --- 

To make it easier for our readers - she was a classic makeup look that defines and deepens the eyes using black kohl or kajal pencil applied around the upper and lower waterlines and lash lines.  

Most stars are discovery of legendary filmmakers. In her case it was Shyam Benegal.

Smita Patil received her first major feature film breakthrough in Shyam Benegal's 1976 film 'Manthan' - a path-bfreaking 'art' film based on the Amul milk dairy revolution in Gujarat.

She played Bindu, a feisty rural woman and milk co-operative leader who fights against caste discrimination and the local milk mafia.

He co-star included Girish Karnad (playing Dr Rao, a veterinary doctor inspired by Dr Verghese Kurien).

Before Manthan, Smita worked as a TV newsreader for Mumbai Doordarshan, appeared in the FTII student film 'Teevra Madhyam'.

She earlier in 1975 had a minor role in Shyam Benegal's children's film 'Charandas Chor'.  

Smita Patil and Girish Karnad

In 2024, 'Manthan' was back in the spotlight when it was screened at the 77th Cannes Film festival. 

Shyam Benegal with Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil 

Smita performed pretty well in 'Bhumika' in 1977 and Bengali movie 'Akaler Sandhaney' - 1981.  

Mrinal XSen's 'Akaler Shandhaney' has a never heard kind plot.

In September 1980, a film crew comes to a village to make a film about a famine, which killed five million Bangalis in 1943. 

It was a man-made famine, a side-product of the war, and the film crew now (will) create the tragedy of the millions who died of starvation. 

The actors live a double life, and the villagers, both simple and not-so-simple, flock to watch their work with wonder and suspicion. 

The uneasy coexistence of 1943 and 1980 reveals a bizarre connection.  

In July 2002, after Shatrughan Sinha and Vinod Khanna were sworn in as Ministers under Vajpayee Govt; some of us had met Shyam Benegal in Mumbai for general reactions from Bollywood. 

It was a brief meeting - but somehow Smita Patil had figured in our discussion.  

At one point, Benegal remarked - "Smita Patil was a force to reckon with. Her acting ability seemed to have matured every passing film or so. Often I thought, she gave jitters and many co stars including heroes would be scared to do scenes with her".   

'Bheegi Palken' was a great film in its own strength. 

Raj Babbar and Smita Patil shared a passionate, controversial, and tragically brief relationship in the 1980s that became one of the most talked-about chapters in Indian cinema.  Understandably, Raj Babbar and Smita Patil first met in 1982 while working on the film 'Bheegi Palkein'.

At the time, Raj Babbar was married to theater actress Nadira Babbar. His decision to leave his first marriage to be with Smita drew severe public criticism, media scrutiny, and labels like "home-breaker" for Smita. Despite the social backlash, the two got married and lived together.   

The song 'Jab Tak Maine Samjha' from Bheegi Palkein sung by Kishore Kumar is among my list of all time favourites.  

The film was based on the story of an Odisha Brahmin family, and dealt with the caste system and marital differences. The film starts with Ishwar Acharya (Raj Babbar), an I.A.S. officer who goes for an inspection of a Roman Catholic Mission school of Odisha. 

There, he meets Shanti, his estranged wife, (Smita Patil) who works as a teacher.  

She gave brilliant performance in many films -

Ardh Satya (1983) – Directed by Govind Nihalani. 

Mirch Masala (1985) – Directed by Ketan Mehta.

• Arth (1982) – Directed by Mahesh Bhatt -- It was a complex emotional drama with Shabana Azmi.

- Bazaar (1982) – Directed by Sagar Sarhadi; focused on the plight of young women sold into marriage in Hyderabad.

She acted in Sadgati (1982) – Directed by Satyajit Ray.

This was a short film based on Munshi Premchand's story.   

She acted along with Rakesh Roshan and Rajesh Khanna in "Aakhir Kyon?" (1985).

It was classic family and social drama film directed and produced by J. Om Prakash. They also performed in 'Amrit' and 'Nazrana'. 

"Isse Pahle Ke Yaad Tu Aayee .... mujhko gam hae tere yadon ka" in Nazrana (1987)  was another melancholic song - everyman would love to sing for a beloved who leaves him in the lurch.  

This is one of those songs -- I often use to blackmail my bitter half.

  

ends