 in the Mahabharat TV series, and she gained popularity overnight. Her role was observed by many Hindi filmmakers, and then she was offered many Hindi movies.){kind=link}
Varsha Usgaonkar, an evergreen, beautiful actress who has left a mark on the Hindi as well as Marathi film industry, turns 56 today on February 28. She started with Marathi films and then entered into Bollywood. But do you know how she got her first break in Marathi and Hindi movies? In an exclusive interview with Lehren she disclosed many things including her first break, working conditions in both industries, Bollywood love affairs and many. Watch this exclusive throwback interview on Lehren Retro.
Varsha Usgaonkar came from a theatre background. During one such theatre play, actor and director Sachin Pilgaonkar observed her skills and cast her in the Marathi movie “Gammat Jammat”. It was Varsha’s first film ever and it was a hit. Later on she worked in many movies, like “Majjach Majja”, “Hamaal De Dhamaal”, “Shejari Shejari”, “Aamchya Sarkhe Aamhich”, “Savat Mazi Ladki”, “Ek Hota Vidushak” and many others.
Within this, she has done noticeable work in Hindi movies too. During that period, Mahabharat, the epic series, started on television. Varsha’s parents always wanted to see her working in that series. But she never tried it. She said that once she went to see the shooting of Mahabharat along with her family. And the plot was related to little Abhimanyu. So, soon there would come a part of young Abhimanyu. Gufi Paintal, the production designer of that series was there and they suddenly asked her, “Varsha, will you be interested in playing Uttara’s (Abhimanyu’s wife) role?” It was surprising for her as she never thought about it before going on the set. Ahead she continued, “My parents were there, and they suddenly said ‘Yes she will do it’. And that time, without a screen test, he cast me as Uttara.” Due to Mahabharat, she got publicity all over India in one night. She was noticed by many Hindi filmmakers, and then she was offered many roles. Her first Hindi film was “Doodh Ka Karz”. Though her Hindi films were not successful as such, she became a renowned face in the industry.
Now she is working on a Marathi TV series named “Sukh Mhanje Nakki Kay Asta”.
Also Read: Did You Know The Backstory Behind Pankaj Udhas’ Iconic Song “Chitthi Aayee Hai”?