Entertainment

Usha Nadkarni reflects on living alone at 80, abusive childhood and sacrifices behind her acting career

Veteran actor Usha Nadkarni reflects on living alone since 1987, her abusive childhood, motherhood and the struggles behind her successful acting career.

Published

2 months ago

August 7, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran actor Usha Nadkarni, known for her memorable performances in Marathi and Hindi films, television and theatre, has opened up about the personal struggles that shaped her life. From surviving an abusive childhood to living alone for decades and balancing motherhood with a demanding acting career, the 80-year-old actor shared intimate details of her journey in recent and past interviews.

Despite the hardships, Nadkarni says she continues to work and live independently in Mumbai while embracing the life she has built over nearly seven decades in the entertainment industry.

Usha Nadkarni says she has lived alone since 1987

Speaking in a recent interview with Rajshri Marathi, Nadkarni revealed that she has been living alone since 1987. With her son now settled overseas and her siblings no longer alive, she has gradually become comfortable with solitude.

She recalled that she initially feared staying alone and would ask the building’s security guard to accompany her to her apartment. Over time, however, those fears disappeared.

The veteran actor also spoke candidly about ageing and mortality, saying she occasionally thinks about death because she lives alone but does not fear it. She added that she believes death comes differently for everyone and has accepted that reality.

Her son was raised by her mother during her busiest years

Nadkarni also reflected on her personal life, sharing that she separated from her husband many years ago. She said there is no bitterness between them and that she has maintained cordial relations with his family over the years.

She explained that her son spent much of his childhood with her mother while she remained occupied with Marathi theatre and acting commitments. In an earlier interview, she had revealed that he also stayed at her brother’s house because it offered more space.

Looking back, Nadkarni shared that her son still tells her she only gave birth to him and that his real mother was actually his grandmother, who raised him during those formative years.

Actor recalls growing up with a violent father

Nadkarni has also spoken publicly about the difficult environment in which she grew up. She described her father, an Air Force officer, as a man with a violent temper whose anger often left the family frightened.

According to the actor, even minor household matters, such as an untidy newspaper or improperly arranged schoolbooks, could trigger angry outbursts.

She also recounted an incident in which she tried to protect her brother from being beaten and was injured on her arm after her father attacked her with a curved farming blade. Despite the injury, she went ahead with a stage performance the following day.

Family opposed her dream of becoming an actor

The actor said her passion for acting began in childhood, but pursuing that ambition was far from easy.

She recalled first confiding in her mother, hoping for support, but instead faced strong opposition. According to Nadkarni, her mother threw her belongings out of the house, forcing her to stay with a friend for nearly a week before eventually returning home.

Reflecting on those years, she said societal opinions did not stop her from following her dream. Nadkarni noted that she first performed on stage while studying in the fourth standard and continues acting even at the age of 80.

Career built on determination

Over nearly 70 years, Usha Nadkarni has established herself as one of the most respected actors in Marathi and Hindi entertainment.

She has previously acknowledged that there were periods when she accepted projects primarily for financial reasons, even when she felt she was not receiving the professional respect she deserved. Despite those challenges, she has continued to remain active in films, television and theatre, building a career defined by perseverance and resilience.

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Entertainment

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

Published

1 day ago

September 20, 2026

APNLive Desk

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.

Entertainment

Drishyam 3 trailer: Ajay Devgn faces triple threat from Tabu, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj

Drishyam: The Conclusion trailer brings back Ajay Devgn and Tabu, while Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the franchise in new roles.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 9, 2026

APNLive Desk

The trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third instalment of the Ajay Devgn-led franchise, has been released, bringing Vijay Salgaonkar back for what is billed as the final chapter of the story.

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh. The latest chapter also introduces Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj in new roles, creating fresh challenges for Vijay and his carefully planned attempts to protect his family.

Ajay Devgn faces new challenges

The trailer continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, a family man who has repeatedly relied on his intelligence to protect his family from the law.

This time, Vijay faces Tabu’s Meera Deshmukh along with two new adversaries. Jaideep Ahlawat plays an SP from the Crime Branch, while Prakash Raj appears as a lawyer. The two characters add another layer to the investigation surrounding Vijay and the events of the previous films.

The trailer suggests that Vijay’s earlier strategy may face its toughest test yet as the investigation moves forward and pressure mounts on his family.

Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh

Tabu is back as Meera Deshmukh, continuing a character that has remained closely connected to Vijay’s story since the earlier films.

Shriya Saran also returns to the franchise, reprising her role from the previous instalments.

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the cast

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are among the key additions to the cast of the third film.

Ahlawat plays an SP in the Crime Branch, bringing a new investigating officer into Vijay’s path. Prakash Raj plays a lawyer, adding another significant character to the conflict surrounding the case.

Drishyam The Conclusion release date

Drishyam: The Conclusion is directed by Abhishek Pathak and is backed by Star Studio18 and Panorama Studios.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

The trailer sets up another battle of wits for Vijay Salgaonkar, with the final outcome of his long-running struggle with the law expected to form the central conflict of the concluding chapter.

Entertainment

Musician Bhagirath Bhatt breaks silence on Bigg Boss 20 entry, says not going

Musician and sitarist Bhagirath Bhatt has clarified that he will not participate in Bigg Boss 20, citing his preference for calm music and peaceful surroundings.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 4, 2026

APNLive Desk

Sitarist and music composer Bhagirath Bhatt has clarified that he will not be participating in Bigg Boss 20, putting an end to speculation about his possible entry into the reality show.

Bhatt addressed the questions he had been receiving from followers on social media and thanked them for their interest. However, he made it clear that he is not part of the upcoming season.

Bhagirath Bhatt explains why he is not joining Bigg Boss 20

In an Instagram Story, Bhatt said that he does not think he is suited to a show like Bigg Boss. He explained that his personality is more aligned with calm and peaceful surroundings.

The musician said he is not someone who can shout or create unnecessary noise and described himself as a believer in calm music. He added that peaceful music has always been a source of inspiration for him.

His clarification came after his name had been circulating in discussions about possible contestants for Bigg Boss 20.

Bhagirath Bhatt’s work in films and series

Bhagirath Bhatt is known for his work as a sitarist and music composer. According to the report, he has worked on films including Padmaavat, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Border 2.

He has also been associated with projects such as Bandish Bandits and Heeramandi.

Meanwhile, the makers of Bigg Boss 20 are yet to officially reveal the complete contestant list. The new season is scheduled to premiere on September 6 at 9 PM.