Today, we'll tell you the story of Hindi cinema's first educated actress and first wealthiest actress, whose life was filled with sorrow and pain. Who is she ... read more

Indian cinema has reached a point where it no longer needs any recognition. Hindi cinema's actors are making their mark internationally, but today we'll tell you the story of Hindi cinema's first educated actress and first wealthiest actress, whose life was filled with sorrow and pain. Who is that actress? Let us tell you...

Durga Khote experienced pain at a young age

Durga Khote was born on January 14, 1905, into a wealthy and educated Marathi family. Her original name was Vita Lad. Her family was of a very upscale family, a period of colonial India when women and girls were confined to their homes. They were either married at a young age or confined within the four walls of their homes.

Faced financial hardship after the death of her husband

Her husband died at the age of just 26. Durga then faced taunts at home. She faced difficulties after her husband's death. She was even reprimanded for household expenses.

Eventually, she decided to earn a living on her own. Durga Khote, being educated, began tutoring children around her home. Gradually, she began earning a little money and began to make ends meet. Meanwhile, she landed a film role, thanks to her fluent English.

When she was educated, she got work in films

Durga Khote's sister told her about a film offer. The offer was originally intended for Durga's sister, but she insisted her sister take it. The producers were delighted by Durga's fluent English, as in those days, only the British knew such fluent English, so a woman speaking so fluently was a surprise.

However, when she landed a role in a film, she began to face taunts from society. However, she ignored the taunts and continued working in films for the sake of her children.

Durga Khote made her mark by becoming a hit in cinema

Durga Khote initially acted in films like Farebi Jaal and Maya Machhindra. She later became the first actress to appear in a Marathi talkie film.

She then appeared as the heroine in Prabhat Film Company's film Ayodhya Cha Raja. This was India's first Hindi and Marathi film. After this, she starred in several films back-to-back. From Marathi to Hindi cinema, she appeared in nearly 200 films. Sometimes she played the role of a grandmother, sometimes a mother.

Great role in Mughal-e-Azam

She was also a part of one of Hindi cinema's most iconic films, Mughal-e-Azam. In this film, she played the role of Jodha Bai, a character that remains etched in people's minds even today. She worked alongside actors like Prithviraj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar.

One of her dialogues in the film became very famous. She also played Rishi Kapoor's grandmother in the Raj Kapoor-directed film Bobby. She went on to appear in numerous films, including Vidaai and Amar Jyoti. Durga Khote is the fourth Indian woman to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Durga Khote's life was full of hardships. Her son died at the age of 40. Following her husband's death, her second son also passed away, leaving her devastated. After this, she briefly distanced herself from Hindi cinema, but then returned to it. Durga Khote's nephew, Viju Khote, and niece, Vibha Khote, are renowned actors in Hindi cinema. Three generations of her family have worked in cinema.

 PC:Jagran