Smita Talwalkar was a Marathi film actress, producer and director. She won two National Film Awards as producer of the films "Kalat Nakalat" and "Tu Tithe Mee".

Early Life of Smita Talwalkar
Smita Talwalkar was born by the name of Smita Govilkar on 5th September, 1954. She was a television newsreader for 17 years initially stepping into the acting circuit. Her initial successful films as an actress comprises of "Tu Saubhagyavati Ho" and "Gadbad Ghotala," both of 1986. "Gadbad Ghotala" was a comedy romance film with an ensemble cast of diverse notable actors. She stepped into the role of a film producer with her first film “Kalat Nakalat” under the banner of Asmita Chitra in 1989. The drama dealt with delicate topic of families and children where one of the parents is involved in the extra-marital affair. Directed by Kanchan Nayak, the film was adjudged as the Best Marathi Feature Film at the 37th National Film Awards.

Career of Smita Talwalkar
In 1991, she played the role of Minal, a childhood friend of a mentally challenged boy in "Chaukat Raja". The lead role of the boy was played by Dilip Prabhavalkar, for which he won Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actor. Directed by Sanjay Surkar, the film was also produced by Talwalkar. Surkar-Talwalkar pair created many notable films like "Tu Tithe Mee" (1998), "Saatchya Aat Gharat" (2004) and "Anandache Jhaad" (2006). After her role as a producer, Talwalkar made her directorial debut in 1993 with the comedy-drama film Sawat Mazhi Ladki. The film received the Maharashtra State Film Award.

The Surkar-Talwalkar pair reprised their roles of director and producer respectively in their next ventures of "Tu Tithe Mee" and "Saatchya Aat Gharat". "Tu Tithe Mee` was a story of troubles that an aged couple faced in a joint family where the lead roles were played by Mohan Joshi and Suhas.

Smita Talwalkar as a Producer
Smita Talwalkar produced about 6 films and 25 television serials. The production house also had a joint venture with Zee Network for producing three films. Her notable television series include "Peshwai", "Avantika", "Suvasin", "Unch Maaza Zoka", etc. Featuring Mrinal Kulkarni in the title role, "Avantika" that aired on Alpha Marathi was a family drama. "Peshwai" was a historical story based on the Peshwas of Maharashtra. The show had Neena Kulkarni playing the role of Tara Rani. "Unch Maaza Zoka" was based on the life of social activist Ramabai Ranade.

Television Career of Smita Talwalkar
Smita Talwalkar appeared in "Katha Ek Aanandichi" and "Ardhangini", which also dealt with social issues. The TV show "Suvasini" that aired on Star Pravah won the Best Serial award at the 2012 Ma-Ta Sanmaan. The banner has also produced a 30-minute documentary for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation that featured Sachin Tendulkar on the topic of cleanliness.

Contributions of Smita Talwalkar
Smita Talwalkar also runs an acting school named "Asmita Chitra Academy". The academy is located at various locations in Pune, Mumbai and Thane and trains around 300 to 350 students in various fields of media. Talwalkar also worked in theatre as an actress and producer. She was on the juries of various stage events, both local and international. She was the president of the Marathi cinema festival organised by Natya Chitra Kala Academy.

She was known for encouraging women and more of their involvement into the industry. She held a belief that the movies and television industry needed more directors who are female. She also made some films revolving around feminist issues carving a niche with films such as "Savat Majhi Ladki.".

Filmography of Smita Talwalkar:
Following are the list of films, TV serials and theatre where Smita Talwalkar has been a part of.