Usha Chavan
Chavan in 1964
Born	Usha Chavan (1955-10-17)17 October 1955 (age 70) Pune,Maharashtra, India
Occupation	Actress
Spouse	Dattatray KaduDeshmukh ​ ​ (m. 1970)​
Children	1
Honours	V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award

Usha Chavan (born 17 October 1955)^[1] is an Indian actress who appears predominantly inMarathi films. Acknowledged as one of the finest actresses inMarathi cinema. she is the recipient of several accolades, including fourMaharashtra State Film Awards and twoFilmfare Awards Marathi. Best known for her comic timing and glamorous roles, especially in partnership withDada 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 theV. Shantaram Award, Maharashtra's highest award in the field of cinema.^[3]

In 1971 Usha Chavan made her debut with the filmSongadya. She has also acted inTelugu film such asDurdabitta, and in theHindi filmShirdi Ke Sai Baba.^[4] She has made several appearances with Dada Kondke in Marathi comedy films.^[5]

Chavan was born on 17 October 1955 inPune, Maharashtra. She grew up in a culturally vibrant household, with her family deeply involved inLoknatya. Her mother, Hirabai Chavan, acted in silent films alongsidePrithviraj 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]

Chavan began her career in performing arts with atamasha troupe before moving to stage plays. One of her popular plays wasLavangi Mirchi Kolhapurchi alongsideArun Sarnaik. She made her film debut as a lead actress withKela 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 inSawaal Majha Aika! (1964). Her entry into films as a lead actress came unexpectedly when directorAnant Mane offered her the role, initially intended forJayshree Gadkar. The film’s success brought her recognition, and at the 5thMaharashtra State Film Awards she won the award for Best Supporting Actress forSawaal Majha Aika!.^[8]

Chavan went on to work in several Marathi films includingKhandobachi Aan,Mukkam Post Dhebewadi,Ashi Rangali Ratra, andKortacha Pairi. She rose to further prominence withSongadya (1971), oppositeDada Kondke.^[9] Their on-screen pairing became highly popular and led to a series of commercially successful films such asEkta 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), andVajvu Ka?.^[10] Apart from her collaborations with Kondke, she worked with other noted actors includingGanpat Patil inSakhya Sajna, where the film succeeded without a conventional hero, andNilu Phule inSonaran Tochla Kan andBapadya. Her role inRanpakhre received critical appreciation and awards. He also appeared in Hindi films such asShirdi Ke Sai Baba,Tere Mere Beech Mein, andAndheri Raat Mein Diya Tere Haath Mein. She produced and directed two Marathi films,Gauracha Navra andDharpakad. She receivedMaharashtra State Film Awards for her performances inKela Ishara Jata Jata,Bot Lavin Tithhe Gudgudlya, andChorawar Mor.^[8]

• Usha Chavan atIMDb 

• Marathi actresses
• Living people
• 1955 births
• Male actors from Maharashtra

• CS1 Marathi-language sources (mr)
• Articles with short description
• Short description matches Wikidata
• Use dmy dates from August 2019
• Articles with hCards