Veteran actor Usha Nadkarni has spent seven decades in the entertainment industry, earning immense love for memorable performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema and television, including her iconic role in Pavitra Rishta. As audiences know her as a powerful on-screen presence, her personal journey has been marked by number of hardships, sacrifices and resilience.
From growing up in a violent household to balancing an acting career while staying away from her son, Usha has spoken frankly over the years about the challenges that shaped her life. Even at 80, she continues to work while living independently in Mumbai.
In a recent conversation with Rajshri Marathi, Usha said that she has been living by herself since 1987. Her son lives abroad, and with all her siblings having passed away, she has learned to embrace solitude.
Speaking about whether loneliness affects her, she said, “I'm used to it. I've been living alone since 1987. I'm not scared at all. I used to be scared when I first moved into my building. I would ask the guard to accompany me to my door because I was afraid somebody would attack me from behind. But I'm not scared anymore.”
The veteran actor also admits that she sometimes thinks about death, especially because she lives alone. However, she said she has never feared it.
“People can't tell how they'll die. Some people go in their sleep, some people die in the hospital. I'm not scared even one bit. If I die in my sleep, my neighbours would come knocking and think, ‘Buddhi ne darwaza nahi khola hai (The old lady didn't open the door)'.”
In the same interview, Usha also said about her personal life and shared that she separated from her husband many years ago. Despite the separation, she said she has no problem towards him or his family and has even hosted dinners for the Nadkarni family over the years.
The couple has a son, who now lives overseas. During his childhood, however, he stayed with Usha's mother, who took care of him while the actor remained occupied with work.
Earlier, in an interview, Usha had revealed that her son grew up at her brother's house because it was more spacious and she was constantly busy with Marathi theatre.
“I would go visit him when I had the time. There was no set schedule. Marathi plays would occupy all my time, because there would be multiple performances in a single day,” she had said.
Looking back on that phase of her life, she also shared a heartbreaking remark her son often makes.
“My son still tells me that I've only given birth to him. His real mother was my mother.”
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