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Actresses
Usha Nadkarni (Actress) Biography: Age, Career, Family and More
Quick Info
Date of birth13 September 1946
Age78 Years (as of 2024)
BirthplaceBombay, Bombay Presidency, British India
ProfessionActress
NationalityIndian
Marital statusMarried
SpouseAnand Nadkarni
FamilySon - Ayush
Usha Nadkarni (Actress) Biography
Veteran Indian actress Usha Nadkarni has built a long career in Marathi and Hindi cinema and television. Best known for her role as Savita Deshmukh in the
Early life and backgroundUsha Nadkarni was born on 13 September 1946 in Bombay, then part of the Bombay Presidency under British India. Brought up in the region that is now Mumbai, she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree. From a young age she was drawn to acting and dance, taking part in performances during her school years and earning recognition on the local stage.
Career
Nadkarni began her screen career in Marathi cinema, making her film debut in 1979 with the role of Shanta in Sinhasan. Over the following decades she worked across Marathi and Hindi films and on television, developing a reputation for strong, outspoken characters.
Her Hindi film credits include appearances in titles such as Musafir (her first Hindi film appearance was in 1986) as well as Shatranj, Gundaraj, Vaastav, One Two Three, Deool, Bhoothnath Returns and Rustom. In Rustom (2016) she drew praise for her portrayal of Jamnabai, the household maid.
On television, Nadkarni became widely recognized for playing Savita Damodar Deshmukh in the long-running daily soap Pavitra Rishta, which aired from 2009 to 2014 and brought her significant popular visibility. She has also appeared in serials including Kairee, Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, Mrs Pammi Pyarelal, Bh Se Bhade and Khulta Kali Khulena, among others. Her television work earned her awards for negative-role performances, including recognition at the Zee Gold Awards and BIG Television Awards.
In addition to acting in scripted projects, Nadkarni has taken part in reality television. In 2018 she was a contestant on the first season of Bigg Boss Marathi. She also appeared on the comedy series Comedy Nights Live in 2016 but left the show after on-set disagreements.
Beyond entertainment, Nadkarni has worked with civic and banking institutions, having been associated with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Dena Bank at different points.
Public profile
Nadkarni is often described as bold and forthright both in the characters she portrays and in public life. Her performances, particularly in Pavitra Rishta, won awards and established her as a familiar face in Indian households. She has listed interests that include dancing, reading, listening to music and cooking. Her screen persona has ranged from comic and sharp-edged to stern and authoritative, demonstrating a wide acting range that has kept her active for more than four decades.
Personal life
Usha Nadkarni is married to Anand Nadkarni. The couple have a son named Ayush. She was born into a Marathi Brahmin family; her father is Sadanand Nadkarni and her mother worked as a teacher. Nadkarni follows Hinduism. Her listed physical details include a height of approximately 163 cm (about 5'4") and an approximate weight of 65 kg. Her hair is described as salt-and-pepper and her eyes are brown.
Latest updates
In recent years Nadkarni continued to appear in films and television. Her 2016 screen work included the film Rustom and an appearance on Comedy Nights Live. In 2018 she expanded her television presence by joining Bigg Boss Marathi season one.
Awards and recognition
Nadkarni has been honored for her television performances, receiving awards for her negative-role portrayals, including accolades at the Zee Gold Awards and recognition at the BIG Television Awards.
Style and preferences
She has noted preferences for certain foods and artists, and enjoys visiting devotional and holiday destinations such as Shirdi, Mathura and Ooty. Her favourite actors and singers include Amitabh Bachchan and Kishore Kumar, and among her favourite films she has cited Padosan.
Selected filmography and television (highlights)
Sinhasan (Marathi debut, 1979)
Musafir (first Hindi film appearance, 1986)
Pavitra Rishta (TV, Savita Damodar Deshmukh, 2009–2014)
Rustom (film, 2016)
Bigg Boss Marathi (contestant, 2018)
She remains an active presence in Indian film and television, known for memorable character roles and a candid public persona.
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Recent Work
Played Jamnabai, the household maid; appearance in 2016 drew critical attention
2016Contestant on the reality series
2018Career Highlights
- Debuted in Marathi cinema with Sinhasan (1979)
- Widespread recognition for Savita Damodar Deshmukh in Pavitra Rishta (2009–2014)
- Awarded for negative-role performances at Zee Gold Awards and BIG Television Awards
- Appeared in notable Hindi films including Musafir and Rustom
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Usha Nadkarni (Actress) was born on 13 September 1946.
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Usha Nadkarni (Actress) is publicly listed as married to Anand Nadkarni.
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