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Varsha Usgaonkar was born on Wednesday, 28 February 1968 (age 55 years; as of 2023) in Usgoa, Goa, India. Her zodiac sign is Pisces. Her mother tongue is Konkani. She did her formal studies at Dempo Higher Secondary in Panaji, Goa. Further, she pursued a bachelor’s degree at Goa University, Panaji.
Varsha Usgaonkar in her youth
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 5″
Weight (approx.): 60 kg
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Hazel Grey
Figure Measurements (approx.): 34-28-36
Family
Parents & Siblings
Varsha Usgaonkar’s father’s name is Achyut Kashinath Sinai Usgaonkar, who was an Indian politician. Her father died on 16 June 2020 due to a long illness. Varsha’s mother’s name is Manikabai. She has two sisters named Manisha Usgaonkar and Tosha Usgaonkar.
Varsha with her father
Husband & Children
In March 2000, Varsha Usgaonkar got married to Ajay Shankar Sharma, who is the son of renowned Indian film music director Ravi Shankar Sharma.
Varsha Usgaonkar with Ajay Shankar Sharma
Religion
She follows Hinduism.
Varsha Usgaonkar offering prayers at a temple
Career
Film
Marathi
In 1987, she made her Marathi debut with the film ‘Gammat Jammat’ in which she played the role of ‘Kalpana Korde.’
Poster of the film ‘Gammat Jammat’ (1987) starring Varsha Usgaonkar
She appeared as ‘Rajani Bala’ in the film ‘Sagalikade Bombabomb’ (1988). Subsequently, she appeared in the films like ‘Atmavishwas’ (1989), ‘Shejari Shejari’ (1990), ‘Savat Mazi Ladki’ (1993), ‘Insaniyat Ke Devta’ (1993), ‘Ladhaai’ (1999), ‘Duniyadari’ (2013), and ‘Sher Shivraj’ (2022).
Hindi
Varsha made her Bollywood debut with the film ‘Doodh Ka Karz’ (1990) in which she played the role of ‘Kajri.’
poster of the film ‘Doodh Ka Karz’ (1990) starring Varsha Usgaonkar
In 1991, she played the role of ‘Chanchal’ in the film ‘Shikari: The Hunter,’ which was also released in the Russian language. Later, she appeared in films like ‘Honeymoon’ (1992), ‘Parwane’ (1993), ‘Paathreela Raasta’ (1994), ‘Chehraa’ (1999), ‘Mr Ya Miss’ (2005), and ‘Super Nani’ (2014).
Television
She made her television debut with the epic television series ‘Mahabharat’ in which she played the role of ‘Uttara.’
Varsha Usgaonkar (left) in a still from the television show ‘Mahabharat’
Varsha gained popularity for her role as ‘Rani Lakshmibai’ in the television show ‘Jhansi Ki Rani’ (1990) telecasted on Doordarshan. She made episodic appearances in series like ‘Ahat Season 1’ (1995) and ‘Ghar Jamai’ (1997). In 2003, she appeared in a Marathi television show, ‘Tuzyavina,’ in which she played a supporting role.
She played the role of ‘Mohini’ in the serial ‘Vishnu Puran’ (2001), and ‘Kritika Khurana’ in the serial ‘Jamai Raja’ (2017). In 2020, she played the role of ‘Nandini Yashwant Shirke-Patil’ in the Marathi series ‘Sukh Mhanje Nakki Kay Asta.’
Stage Play
In 1984, Varsha Usgaonkar played a leading role in the super-hit Marathi stageplay ‘Brahmachari’ for which she received immense love and popularity from the audience.
Poster of the Marathi Stageplay ‘Brahmachari’ (1984)
Controversies
Varsha Usgaonkar accused by her sister-in-law
Varsha Usgaonkar was accused of harassing and illegally occupying her father’s property in Santacruz (W), Mumbai, by her sister-in-law. Varsha and her husband were granted access to a small first-floor room, a bedroom, and a converted kitchen as part of the settlement by the court.
Varsha Usgaonkar posed topless
In 1998, Varsha Usgaonkar attracted controversy when her topless photoshoot for a magazine went viral. When Marathi actresses would only wear sarees and salwar kameez, Varsha defied Indian tradition with her topless photoshoot.