Usha Chavan (born 17 October 1955)[1] is an Indian actress who appears predominantly in Marathi films. Acknowledged as one of the finest actresses in Marathi cinema. she is the recipient of several accolades, including four Maharashtra State Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards Marathi. Best known for her comic timing and glamorous roles, especially in partnership with Dada Kondke.[2] The pair became one of the most iconic duos in Marathi cinema. She remembered as one of the most popular leading ladies of Marathi cinema in the 1970s–80s. In 2021, she was honoured with the V. Shantaram Award, Maharashtra's highest award in the field of cinema.[3]
In 1971 Usha Chavan made her debut with the film Songadya. She has also acted in Telugu film such as Durdabitta, and in the Hindi film Shirdi Ke Sai Baba.[4] She has made several appearances with Dada Kondke in Marathi comedy films.[5]
Early life
Chavan was born on 17 October 1955 in Pune, Maharashtra. She grew up in a culturally vibrant household, with her family deeply involved in Loknatya. Her mother, Hirabai Chavan, acted in silent films alongside Prithviraj Kapoor. Raised in Pune, she was immersed in performing arts from an early age and began her entertainment career as a background dancer, helping her gain confidence and visibility in the field.[6]
Career
Chavan began her career in performing arts with a tamasha troupe before moving to stage plays. One of her popular plays was Lavangi Mirchi Kolhapurchi alongside Arun Sarnaik. She made her film debut as a lead actress with Kela Ishara Jata Jata (1965), where her performance and dance skills were well received by audiences.[7] Prior to this, she had appeared as a background dancer in Sawaal Majha Aika! (1964). Her entry into films as a lead actress came unexpectedly when director Anant Mane offered her the role, initially intended for Jayshree Gadkar. The film’s success brought her recognition, and at the 5th Maharashtra State Film Awards she won the award for Best Supporting Actress for Sawaal Majha Aika!.[8]
Chavan went on to work in several Marathi films including Khandobachi Aan, Mukkam Post Dhebewadi, Ashi Rangali Ratra, and Kortacha Pairi. She rose to further prominence with Songadya (1971), opposite Dada Kondke.[9] Their on-screen pairing became highly popular and led to a series of commercially successful films such as Ekta Jeev Sadashiv (1971), Pandu Havaldar (1975), Ram Ram Gangaram (1977), Bot Lavin Tithhe Gudgudlya (1978), Palva Palvi (1990), Yeu Ka Gharat (1992), Sasarch Dhotar (1994), and Vajvu Ka?.[10] Apart from her collaborations with Kondke, she worked with other noted actors including Ganpat Patil in Sakhya Sajna, where the film succeeded without a conventional hero, and Nilu Phule in Sonaran Tochla Kan and Bapadya. Her role in Ranpakhre received critical appreciation and awards. He also appeared in Hindi films such as Shirdi Ke Sai Baba, Tere Mere Beech Mein, and Andheri Raat Mein Diya Tere Haath Mein. She produced and directed two Marathi films, Gauracha Navra and Dharpakad. She received Maharashtra State Film Awards for her performances in Kela Ishara Jata Jata, Bot Lavin Tithhe Gudgudlya, and Chorawar Mor.[8]
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