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Veteran Marathi actress Daya Dongre, celebrated for her memorable performances across theatre, television, and cinema, passed away at the age of 85 following an age-related illness. Her passing marks the end of a significant era in Marathi entertainment. Born Daya Modak on March 11, 1940, in Amravati, Maharashtra, she hailed from a family deeply rooted in the arts. Her mother Yamunatai Modak was an actress, while her aunt Shanta Modak was a singer and performer. Initially inclined toward music, Dongre gained early recognition after winning an All India Radio singing competition. She began her acting career at just 16 with the play Rambha and later studied at Fergusson College, Pune, before joining the National School of Drama (NSD) to pursue formal training in theatre. Although marriage led her to pause her studies, her husband Sharad continued to encourage her artistic pursuits. Over the years, Dongre became a prominent name in Marathi theatre and films, noted for her expressive range and strong screen presence. Daya Dongre’s performances in productions such as Tuzhi Majhi Jodi Jamli Re, Nanda Saukhya Bhare, Yachasathi Kela Hota Atthahas, and Lekure Udand Jali earned her critical and audience acclaim. She gained national attention with the Doordarshan series Gajara and became widely recognised for her portrayal of the quintessential stern mother-in-law in both Marathi and Hindi films, including Maaybaap, Atmavishwas, Navri Mile Navryala, Khatyal Sasu Nathal Soon, Naqaab, and Lalchi. Her work in television serials like Tujhi Majhi Jamali Jodi Re, Nanda Saukhya Bhare, Awhan, and Swami further solidified her stature. For her impactful roles in Maaybaap and Khatyal Sasu Nathal Soon, Dongre was honoured by the Government of Maharashtra. Actor Nitish Bharadwaj, who worked with Daya Dongre early in his career, remembered her with deep affection. He wrote, “Daya Mavshi, my beloved mother in my very 1st feature film passed away. I mourn the absence of my 2nd mother, who always kept in touch to know my welfare. On screen she was irrational & unfair but in person, a gentle soul who made many tasty meals for me standing in the kitchen of her Mahim home. I just had to tell her what I felt like eating & it would be there. The only person who could scold me after my mother passed away. I do understand the philosophy behind death, but loss of mothers leaves an irreplaceable void… today my heart sinks yet again. I mourn her absence with Dongre-Dandekar families & pray that her soul attains SAD-GATI. Love you Mavshi.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nitish Bharadwaj (@nitishbharadwaj.krishna) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed grief, acknowledging her immense contribution to Marathi entertainment. In a post written in Marathi, he stated, “Extremely saddened to hear of the demise of veteran actress Daya Dongre, who created an indelible place in Marathi series and film industry with the power of her strong acting. An era of acting and art world in Maharashtra has set. We all share the grief of their families and fans. May God grant eternal peace to his soul. A heartfelt tribute.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eknath Shinde – एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) May her soul rest in peace!
