Cinemaazi remembers Sumati Joglekar on her death anniversary

On the death anniversary of Sumati Joglekar nee Gupte (b. 11 May 1919), who passed away on 31 October, 2009, we remember the successful producer and actress who starred in both Marathi and Hindi films. Born in Wai, Maharashtra, and growing up in Baroda, she debuted in films after she completed her graduation. Among her earliest Marathi films were Sant Ghyaneshwar (1940), Bhalji Pendharkar’s Thoratanchi Kamla (1941) in which she played Sambhaji’s fiancée, and Sunbai(1942) which was a hit. She performed in several plays such as Sanshaykallol, Udyacha Sansar, Sanyasta Khadag, Lagnachi Bedi and Vikarvilasit.

Her career in Hindi cinema saw her act in several films including Mausi (1958), Hamara Sansar (1945), Waqt (1965), Parivar (1968) and Aadmi Sadak Ka (1977). She and director husband Vasant Joglekar—they had grown close during the making of Chimukla Sansar (1943) and went on to marry—proceeded to produce films like Shevatcha Malusara (1966), Janaki (1979) and Ha Khel Savalyancha (1976), under their banner Mera Pictures.

Sumati was conferred with several prestigious awards in the course of career, including Rasarang’s Dadasaheb Phalke award, V. Shantaram award and the Chitrabhushan Jeevan Gaurav Award. Her daughter Meera had made her debut opposite Joy Mukherjee in Ek Kali Muskayee (1968), produced by the Joglekars.