Veteran Marathi actress Daya Dongare has passed away at the age of 85. Her demise marks a significant loss for the Marathi film industry.
Dongare was widely celebrated for her powerful portrayals of negative characters, a striking contrast to her given name, which means “compassion.” She left an indelible mark across theater, television, and film.
Her extensive career included work in Hindi cinema. Notably, she appeared in the 1992 film ‘Daulat Ki Jung,’ starring Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla.
The industry is currently mourning the loss of the versatile performer. Dongare was born in Pune in 1940 and inherited a rich artistic legacy.
Her mother, Yamunabai Modak, was a renowned theater actress, and her aunt, Shantabai Modak, was a singer. Her great-grandfather was also a kirtankar, a performer of devotional music.
Dongare developed an interest in acting during her school days, participating in one-act play competitions at Ferguson College. She later honed her craft at the National School of Drama (NSD), where she received scholarships for both acting and singing.
Though skilled in music, initially considering a career in singing, she ultimately excelled in acting. She became a household name through television serials, especially Doordarshan’s ‘Gajra.’
She was particularly adept at playing strong, cunning mother-in-law roles. Her villainous portrayals were so convincing they often instilled fear in audiences.
Daya Dongare was married to Sharad Dongare, an art enthusiast who passed away in 2014. She relocated to Delhi after marriage but continued her professional career.
She worked with Delhi Doordarshan starting in 1964 and later with Mumbai Doordarshan from 1972, appearing in programs like ‘Gajra,’ ‘Bandini,’ and ‘Awaan.’ Her role as Gopikabai in the popular series ‘Swami’ brought her significant acclaim on the small screen.
Her Marathi film debut was in Jabbar Patel’s 1982 film ‘Umbartha.’ She subsequently featured in movies such as ‘Khatyal Sasu Nathal Soon,’ ‘Naqab,’ ‘Lalchi Rukha Mati,’ ‘Char Divas Sasuche,’ and ‘Kuldeepak.’
Daya Dongare is survived by her two daughters.