Varsha Usgaonkar

Varsha Usgaonkar was born on 28 February 1968 into a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin family in Usgao, Goa, to A. K. S. Usgaonkar, a prominent politician, and Manikabai Usgaonkar, a classical singer.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-18 |title=Varsha Usgaonkar Father : 'बाबा कुठेही असूदेत पण घरी नसूदेत'-वर्षा यांचं स्वतःच्या वडिलांनबद्दल का होतं असं मत? |url=https://marathi.itsmajja.com/actress-varsha-usgaonkar-father-inccident-marathi-info/ |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=marathi.itsmajja.com |language=mr-IN}} Her father was a senior leader of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and served as a Cabinet Minister in the Government of Goa, Daman and Diu. Influenced by her mother, Varsha developed an early interest in classical music, training under Pandit Sudhakar Karandikar, and also trained in Kathak during her childhood. A native Konkani speaker, she is the eldest of three sisters; her younger siblings are Tosha Kurade and Manisha Tarcar.{{cite web |url=http://www.navhindtimes.in/iexplore/goa-s-emerald-eyed-sridevi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102211943/http://www.navhindtimes.in/iexplore/goa-s-emerald-eyed-sridevi |archive-date=2 January 2014 |url-status=dead |title=Goa's emerald eyed 'Sridevi' | iGoa |access-date=3 January 2015}}

She completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dempo College of Commerce and Economics in Panaji.{{Cite web |title=वर्षा उसगांवकर |url=https://marathi.indiatimes.com/entertainment/varsha-usgaonkar-bio |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Maharashtra Times |language=mr}} During this time, she began pursuing a local acting career with the Kala Shuklendu, a theatre group with which she performed in several notable plays, including Mahapur, Ek Hoti Vaghinn, Andhar Mazha Sobti, and Baki Itihaas. Her performance in Mahapur earned her the Mumbai Inter-State Drama Gold Medal, and she received further acclaim for her role in Ashroonchi Zhali Phule earned her several accolades.{{Cite web |last=Yadav |first=Pramod |date=2024-08-18 |title=Varsha Usgaonkar: गोवा कॅबिनेट मंत्र्याची लेक ते मराठीतील प्रसिद्ध अभिनेत्री, वर्षा उसगांवकर यांचा जीवनप्रवास |url=https://dainikgomantak.esakal.com/goa-entertainment/bigg-boss-marathi-season-5-contestants-varsha-usgaonkar-journey-goa-to-mumbai-marathi-entertainment-ppy92 |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=Goa News on Dainik Gomantak |language=mr}} Recognizing her potential, the Kala Academy awarded her a scholarship that enabled her to pursue an acting course at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University in Aurangabad, where Prashant Dalvi and Chandrakant Kulkarni were among her contemporaries. Though she had aspired to join the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, but since admissions were closed at the time, she chose to take the course in Aurangabad instead.{{Cite news |date=2017-01-12 |title=The years I spent in Aurangabad are invaluable: Varsha Usgaonkar |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news/the-years-i-spent-in-aurangabad-are-invaluable-varsha-usgaonkar/articleshow/17337126.cms |access-date=2025-06-29 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

After moving to Bombay in the early 1980s to pursue acting, Usgaonkar was mentored by renowned Marathi theatre veteran Damu Kenkre.{{cite news |last=Webdunia Marathi |date=2007-05-19 |title=वर्षा उसगांवकर : ग्लॅमरस अभिनेत्री |url=https://marathi.webdunia.com/marathi-film-stars/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0-%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%85%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80-107051900005_1.htm |access-date=2025-06-28 |work=Webdunia Marathi}} She made her mark in the experimental play Karti Premat Padli, an adaptation of P. G. Wodehouse's novel The Small Bachelor, directed by Vijay Kenkre.{{Cite news |last=Gahlot |first=Deepa |date=2019-11-07 |title=What ails theatre? |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/theatre/what-ails-theatre/article29910352.ece |access-date=2025-06-29 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} The play marked Vijay Kenkre's first major success as a director and introduced Usgaonkar to a wider theatre audience.{{Cite web |title=FPJ Anniversary 2023: 'Theatre In All Forms Makes Me Happy,' Says Vijay Kenkre |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/weekend/fpj-anniversary-2023-theatre-in-all-forms-makes-me-happy-says-vijay-kenkre |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=THEATRE KATTA Marathi Play/Drama - www.MumbaiTheatreGuide.com |url=https://www.mumbaitheatreguide.com/dramas/marathi/theatre-katta-marathi-play-preview.asp |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=MumbaiTheatreGuide.com |language=en}} She went on to perform in the commercial play Brahmachari, produced by Suyog Natya Sanstha and directed by Damu Kenkare, opposite Prashant Damle. Her portrayal of a confident and modern heroine, wearing a T-shirt and shorts, attracted widespread attention. The bold presentation was considered unconventional within the Marathi theatre scene at the time and brought her significant recognition.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-01 |title='आमच्या सारखे आम्हीच' म्हणत ग्लॅमरस क्विन वर्षा उसगावकर जाणार राजकारणात ? |url=https://www.mensxp.com/marathi/entertainment/bollywood/95688-varsha-usgaonkar-biography-in-marathi.html |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=MensXP |language=mr-IN}} One of the audience members at a performance of the play was actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar, who later offered her a role in the Marathi film Gammat Jammat (1987).{{cite web |title=Gammat Jammat |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news/happy-birthday-ashok-saraf-ashi-hi-banwa-banwi-to-gammat-jammat-five-must-watch-comedy-movies-of-the-evergreen-star/photostory/76182430.cms?picid=76182773 |website=The Times of India |access-date=5 June 2020 |language=en |date=4 June 2020}}

Although she signed Gammat Jammat first, her screen debut came with Damu Kenkre's Tuzya Wachun Karamena, in which she appeared in a supporting role alongside Ashok Saraf and Alka Kubal. The song "Doli Ga Doli" was picturized on her character.{{cite web |title=Tuzya Wachun Karamena |url=https://www.movieposterdb.com/tuzya-wachun-karamena-i10380694 |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=MoviePosterDB}} Later in 1987, Gammat Jammat was released, marking her first film as a lead actress.{{Cite web |title=Gammat Jammat Movie Box office Collection {{!}} Collection of Gammat Jammat Movie {{!}} Gammat Jammat |url=https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/box-office-movie/gammat-jammat |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=www.indianfilmhistory.com |language=en}} She portrayed the spirited daughter of a wealthy businessman who, after being kidnapped, turns the situation to her advantage to rebel against her restrictive upbringing. Introduced to audiences as a “wonder girl,” Usgaonkar brought a fresh and modern image to the Marathi film heroine.{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Navhind |date=2016-06-03 |title='Marathi cinema helped me identify myself' – Varsha Usgaonkar {{!}} The Navhind Times {{!}} Goa News |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2016/06/03/magazines/buzz/marathi-cinema-helped-me-identify-myself-varsha-usgaonkar/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |language=en-US}} The film was both a commercial and critical success, and her performance earned her the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actress.{{Cite news |date=2022-09-26 |title=#StarOfTheWeek: Varsha Usgaonkar: I am enjoying my second innings -Exclusive! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news/varsha-usgaonkar-i-am-enjoying-my-second-innings-exclusive/articleshow/94439129.cms |access-date=2025-06-29 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} Her next release was N. S. Vaidya’s drama Khatyal Sasu Nataal Soon, in which she starred opposite Nitish Bharadwaj.{{Cite web |title=भन्नाट किस्सा! 'खट्याळ सासू नाठाळ सून' सिनेमात चार वर्षाच्या मुक्ताची अशी झाली होती एन्ट्री |url=https://marathi.indiatimes.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/marathi-actress-mukta-barve-share-old-memories-of-khatyal-sasu-nathal-sun-movie-dance-with-laxmikant-berde/articleshow/109101235.cms |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Maharashtra Times |language=mr}} Usgaonkar played the title role of the soon (daughter-in-law), a strong-willed and intelligent woman who challenges her mother-in-law’s authority to assert her own place within the family.{{Cite web |title=Khatyal Sasu Nathal Soon (1987) |url=https://indiancine.ma/ABWZ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Indiancine.ma}} The following year, she appeared in Majjach Majja, where she took on a dual role, portraying both male and female characters.{{Cite web |last=Editorial |first=M. M. W. |date=1988-01-17 |title=Majjach Majja ( मज्जाच मज्जा ) |url=https://marathimovieworld.com/moviedetail/majjach-majja.php |access-date=2025-06-29 |language=en-US}} She was also seen in Reshmigathi, playing the role of a beloved daughter considered a lucky charm by her family, who defies her parents’ wishes to be with her love interest, portrayed by Ashok Shinde. Around the same time, Usgaonkar made her television debut with a brief role in Mahabharat, the iconic Doordarshan series based on the ancient Sanskrit epic.{{Cite web |date=2019-08-03 |title=Mahabharat: गोवा के पूर्व डिप्टी स्पीकर की बेटी हैं अभिमन्यु की उत्तरा, ऋषि कपूर के साथ कर चुकी हैं काम - Mahabharat on DD Metro ColorsTV Varsha Usgaonkar Played Abhimanyu Wife Uttara Daughter of Ex Deputy Speaker of Goa |url=https://www.jagran.com/entertainment/tv-mahabharat-on-dd-metro-colorstv-varsha-usgaonkar-played-abhimanyu-wife-uttara-daughter-of-ex-deputy-speaker-of-goa-20266515.html |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=Jagran |language=hi}} She portrayed Uttarā, the princess of Matsya and wife of Abhimanyu, whose survival after the Kurukshetra war ensured the continuation of the Pandava lineage.{{Cite web |date=2020-05-21 |title=Mahabharat actor Varsha Usgaonkar revisits the epic show |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/mahabharat-actor-varsha-usgaonkar-revisits-the-1988-epic-show-6419055/ |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} Interestingly, Usgaonkar first visited the set as a spectator during casting, and was offered the role by Gufi Paintal on the spot—without a screentest.{{Cite web |title=शूटिंग देखने गई इस एक्ट्रेस को अचानक मिली थी Mahabharat, बिना स्क्रीन टेस्ट शो में मिला था पॉपुलर कैरेक्टर - varsha usgaonkar got role of uttara in br chopra mahabharat without audition |url=https://www.jagran.com/entertainment/tv-varsha-usgaonkar-got-role-of-uttara-in-br-chopra-mahabharat-without-audition-23722509.html |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=Jagran |language=hi}}{{Cite web |last=Jangam |first=Prerana |date=2024-08-31 |title=Varsha Usgaonkar : 'वन्डर गर्ल' वर्षा यांनी 'महाभारत' मध्ये देखील केलय काम, अशी मिळाली होती भूमिका |url=https://www.esakal.com/premier/bigg-boss-marathi-fame-varsha-usgaonkar-played-a-role-in-mahabharat-entertainment-news |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=Marathi News Esakal |language=Mr}} The series was highly acclaimed and, over the years, achieved cult status in Indian television history.{{Cite web |title=Bollywood Actrsses: यह हीरोइन मेहमानों को दिखाने ले गई शूटिंग, बीआर चोपड़ा की महाभारत में मिल गया बड़ा रोल |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/entertainment/television/mahabharat-actor-varsha-usgaonkar-played-uttara-doordarshan-covid-19-colors-br-chopra-ravi-chopra-show-serial/1274895 |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=Zee News Hindi |language=hi}}

In 1989, Usgaonkar appeared in the crime drama Bhutacha Bhau as part of a story about a ghost aiding his brother in avenging their father’s murder, followed by the comedy Saglikade Bombabomb, where she played an actress who turns a rumor about herself into reality, and the romantic drama Pasant Aahe Mulgi, portraying a modern, extroverted college girl who wins over a disinterested suitor—all of which were well received.{{Cite web |title=Bhutacha Bhau |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/bhutacha-bhau/2000033906/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=TVGuide.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2020-04-18 |title=10 evergreen Marathi comedy films you can watch online |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/10-evergreen-marathi-comedy-films-you-can-watch-online-6367912/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} That same year, she reunited with director N. S. Vaidya for the comedy-drama Navra Baiko, which told the story of a constantly quarreling couple whose souls are swapped by Lord Krishna in an unexpected divine twist. However, the film went largely unnoticed.{{Cite web |title=Navara Baiko (1989) |url=http://mymarathicinema.blogspot.com/2020/08/navara-baiko-1989.html |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=MY MARATHI CINEMA मराठी चित्रपट}} Her most notable success that year came with the romantic comedy Hamaal De Dhamaal, directed by Purushottam Berde, where she played an actress opposite Laxmikant Berde.{{Cite news |title='Hamal de Dhamal' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/photofeatures/laxmikant-berde-superhit-comedy-films-of-the-actor-you-should-not-miss/hamal-de-dhamal/photostory/63415253.cms |access-date=2023-03-13 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} Her performance was praised and earned her a nomination for the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actress.{{cite web |date=2015-11-06 |title=Latest Marathi News- Breaking News Today |url=https://loksatta.com/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Loksatta |language=mr|Read Marathi Batmya from Maharashtra, India ब्रेकींग मराठी न्यूज}}

The following year, she appeared in ten films. Among them were Aamchya Sarkhe Aamhich, her fourth and final collaboration with Sachin as director, a comedy about two sets of lookalike brothers who decide to swap lives; and Shejari Shejari, loosely based on the 1964 American film Good Neighbor Sam, in which she played a suspicious yet determined woman who, after separating from her husband, pretends to be happily married to her friend’s husband in a comical scheme to secure her rightful inheritance.{{Cite web |last=Editorial |first=M. M. W. |date=2015-01-01 |title=Aamachya Sarkhe Aamhich ( आमच्यासारखे आम्हीच ) |url=https://marathimovieworld.com/moviedetail/amachyasarkhe-amhich.php |access-date=2025-06-29 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Shejari Shejari (1990) |url=https://indiancine.ma/AFHJ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Indiancine.ma}} Both films were major commercial successes, with Shejari Shejari later remade in Hindi in 2005 as Ssukh.{{Cite web |last=MaFt.co.uk |title=Is the comedy movie 'Shejari Shejari' (1990) on Netflix USA? |url=https://usa.newonnetflix.info/info/80202085 |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=New On Netflix USA}} Her other Marathi releases that year included Patli Re Patli, inspired by the 1968 Hindi film Padosan, where she reprised the role originally played by Saira Banu; the family drama Baap Re Baap; and Kuthe Kuthe Shodhu Mi Tila, which was based on a similar concept as the 1981 Hindi film Ladies Tailor. The lattermost was one of the rare commercial failures during Laxmikant Berde’s peak career.{{Cite web |title=Baap Re Baap (1990) |url=https://indiancine.ma/AEOZ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Indiancine.ma}}{{Cite web |last=Komparify.com |title=Kuthe Kuthe Shodhu Mi Tila movie: Watch Online HD Full movie |url=https://www.komparify.com/entertainment/movie/kuthe-kuthe-shodhu-mi-tila1 |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=komparify.com}} That year also marked Usgaonkar's debut in both Hindi and Bengali cinema. In the Hindi film Doodh Ka Karz, she played a supporting role alongside Jackie Shroff and Neelam Kothari, while in the Bengali film Sei To Abar Kache Ele, she starred opposite Prosenjit Chatterjee and Arjun Chakraborty.{{Cite web |title=कहां हैं बॉलीवुड एक्ट्रेस वर्षा उसगांवकर? अब राजनीति में आजमाएंगी किस्मत! {{!}} Actress Varsha Usgaonkar May Join Politics - Oneindia Hindi |url=https://hindi.oneindia.com/photos/actress-varsha-usgaonkar-may-join-politics-oi70003.html |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=https://hindi.oneindia.com/ |language=hi}}

The year 1991 proved to be one of the most successful periods of Usgaonkar’s career, including notable recognition in Hindi film industry. She starred in the crime drama Saathi, directed by Mahesh Bhatt, opposite Aditya Pancholi and Mohsin Khan.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-21 |title=1 धांसू हॉलीवुड मूवी पर बनीं 4 बॉलीवुड फिल्में! 3 हुई थीं हिट, अमिताभ-मिथुन ही नहीं, ये एक्टर भी बन गया स्टार |url=https://hindi.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/bollywood-amitabh-bachchan-agneepath-mithun-chakraborty-mujrim-to-aditya-pancholi-saathi-4-bollywood-movies-inspired-by-al-pacino-scarface-huge-hit-6968243.html |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=News18 हिंदी |language=hi}} She also appeared in the action film Hafta Bandh, opposite Jackie Shroff, where she played Marie, a village girl who falls in love with a police inspector. Both films were a surprise hit at the box office and helped establish her presence in the Hindi cinema.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-20 |title='हुई आंख नम' की अदाकारा को देख नहीं पहचान पाएंगे आप, पीक करियर पर छोड़ा बॉलीवुड, घरवालों ने ढाया सितम |url=https://hindi.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/hui-aankh-nam-aur-ye-dil-muskuraya-song-fame-varsha-usgaonkar-mahabharat-uttara-leave-bollywood-after-marriage-property-dispute-with-nanad-5415939.html |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=News18 हिंदी |language=hi}} In Marathi, she featured in the crime-romance Aflatoon, and Mumbai Te Mauritius, a drama in which she portrayed a double role—one as a modern woman living in Mauritius and the other as a dancer in a troupe based in Mumbai.{{Cite web |last=FilmiClub |title=Aflatoon (1991) |url=https://filmiclub.com/movie/aflatoon-1991-marathi-movie |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=FilmiClub |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=2020-08-07 |title=Happy Birthday Suresh Wadkar: FIVE soulful Marathi songs of eminent music director that you simply cannot miss |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news/happy-birthday-suresh-wadkar-five-soulful-marathi-songs-of-eminent-music-director-that-you-simply-cannot-miss/photostory/77408055.cms?picid=77408187#%E2%80%8B'Navi%20Navi%20Preet%20Hi'-%20%E2%80%98Mumbai%20Te%20Mauritius%E2%80%99 |access-date=2025-07-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} That same year, she also played the female lead in the Indo-Russian production Shikari, opposite Mithun Chakraborty.{{Cite web |title=Shikari (1991) |url=https://indiancine.ma/AGHG |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=Indiancine.ma}} While the film attempted to appeal to international audiences, many critics noted that Usgaonkar’s role was sidelined in favor of the Russian actress. Despite expectations, the film was a commercial failure in Russia, where Indian cinema otherwise enjoyed strong popularity.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-20 |title=When Varsha Usgaonkar taught Naseeruddin Shah 'little bit of dance' in Ooty - Niharika Times |url=https://english.niharikatimes.com/when-varsha-usgaonkar-taught-naseeruddin-shah-little-bit-of-dance-in-ooty/ |access-date=2025-07-01 |language=en-US}}

In 1992, she had five Hindi film releases, including the action film Sone Ki Lanka opposite Chunky Pandey, the romantic comedy Ghar Jamai opposite Mithun, and the romantic drama Dilwale Kabhi Na Hare opposite Prithvi.{{Cite web |last=FilmiClub |title=Dilwale Kabhi Na Hare (1992) |url=https://filmiclub.com/movie/dilwale-kabhi-na-hare-1992-hindi-movie |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=FilmiClub |language=en-US}} She also appeared alongside Rishi Kapoor in Honeymoon, a Hindi remake of the hit Marathi film Kiss Bai Kiss (1988), which met with moderate success.{{Cite news |date=2023-05-23 |title=Varsha Usgaonker recalls working with Rishi Kapoor in the 1992 film 'Honeymoon': 'I always found him arrogant and never spoke to him much' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/varsha-usgaonker-recalls-working-with-rishi-kapoor-in-the-1992-film-honeymoon-i-always-found-him-arrogant-and-never-spoke-to-him-much/articleshow/100434444.cms |access-date=2025-07-01 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} However, it was the Marathi family drama Shubh Mangal Savdhan that stood out that year, emerging as one of the highest-grossing Marathi films of 1992. The year 1993 began on a high note with the Hindi blockbuster Tirangaa, an action drama co-starring Raaj Kumar and Nana Patekar, in which Usgaonkar played the love interest of Patekar’s character.{{Cite web |title='तिरंगा' में नाना पाटेकर की हीरोइन का बदल गया है पूरा लुक, लेटेस्ट फोटो में खूबसूरती देख कर फैंस हुए दीवाने |url=https://ndtv.in/bollywood/varsha-usgaonkar-in-film-tiranga-complete-look-has-changed-photo-viral-fans-shocked-3286027 |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=NDTV India |language=hi}} The film, centered around preventing a nuclear terrorist attack on India, became one of the top-grossing Hindi films of the year.{{Cite web |title=Tirangaa (1993) {{!}} Movie Review, Trailers, Music Videos, Songs, Wallpapers - Bollywood Hungama |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/508397 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127051228/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/cast/id/508397 |archive-date=2013-01-27 |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=Bollywood Hungama}} She also acted alongside Rajinikanth in Insaniyat Ke Devta and with Naseeruddin Shah in Hasti.{{Cite news |date=2023-05-20 |title=When Varsha Usgaonkar taught Naseeruddin Shah 'little bit of dance' in Ooty |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/when-varsha-usgaonkar-taught-naseeruddin-shah-little-bit-of-dance-in-ooty/articleshow/100377644.cms |access-date=2025-07-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

While her success in Hindi cinema remained inconsistent, she continued to deliver acclaimed performances in Marathi films. That year, she played a glamorous film star in Ek Hota Vidushak, directed by Jabbar Patel and written by veteran playwright P. L. Deshpande.{{Cite news |date=2013-02-22 |title=Marathi classics ~ 2 |url=https://archive.ph/20130222144534/http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=393588&catid=47 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241206074848/https://archive.ph/20130222144534/http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=393588&catid=47 |archive-date=2024-12-06 |access-date=2025-07-02 |work=archive.ph}} Her character encourages Aburao (played by Laxmikant Berde), a talented folk performer, to enter the film industry and later marries him for her own motives.{{Cite web |last=Vipat |first=Anuradha |title=वर्षा उसगांवकर यांनी लक्ष्मीकांत बेर्डेंच्या आठवणींना दिला उजाळा |url=https://www.esakal.com/ampstories/web-story/varsha-usgaonkar-brought-to-light-the-memories-of-laxmikant-baird-aak11 |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=Marathi News Esakal |language=mr}} The film, one of the rare Marathi productions exploring the lives of folk artists, was screened at the International Film Festival of India and went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi (1992), along with five Maharashtra State Film Awards, including a Best Actress nomination for Usgaonkar.{{cite web |title=Marathi films based on Tamasha |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/slideshow_marathi-films-based-on-tamasha_1649322-3#top |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=DNA India |publisher=Daily News and Analysis}} Despite the critical acclaim, the film was a commercial failure.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-18 |title='मी पैशांचा विचार केला नाही, फक्त लक्ष्यासाठी...', वर्षा उसगांवकरांनी सांगितला 'तो' किस्सा |url=https://zeenews.india.com/marathi/entertainment/varsha-usgaonkar-share-story-of-laxmikant-berde-over-ek-hota-vidushak-marathi-movie/784177 |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=Zee 24 taas |language=mr}} She next starred in Lapandav, the directorial debut of Shrabani Deodhar, where she played the daughter of Ashok Saraf, a notable casting choice, as the two had previously been paired as romantic leads.{{Cite web |title="लपंडाव" चित्रपटातील सुनील बर्वेची "ही" अभिनेत्री आजही दिसते खूपच सुंदर.. अभिनय सोडून परदेशात करते हे काम |url=https://bolkyaresha.in/lapandav-movie-actress-pallavi-ranade-kharkar-latest-news/ |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=Bolkya Resha |language=en-US}} The film, a satirical family drama, won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi (1993).{{Cite web |title=National Film Award Best Marathi Feature Film – Silver Lotus Award For Best Feature Film In Marathi |url=https://www.awardsandshows.com/features/best-marathi-feature-film-578.html |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=www.awardsandshows.com}} Usgaonkar also took on a supporting role in Savat Mazi Ladki, by Smita Talwalkar, where she played the girlfriend of a married man (Mohan Joshi), whose wife (Neena Kulkarni) responds with unexpected kindness and affection.{{Cite web |title=Sawat Majhi Ladki (1993) |url=https://indiancine.ma/AOPO |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=Indiancine.ma}} The film was a major box-office success and earned Usgaonkar the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.{{cite web |date=2017-09-01 |title=Latest Marathi News – Breaking News Today |url=https://loksatta.com/ |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=Loksatta |language=mr|Read Marathi Batmya from Maharashtra, India ब्रेकींग मराठी न्यूज}}

Additionally, she made a appearance in Saawan Kumar Tak’s Khal-Naaikaa, in which she was notably seen smoking a cigarette on screen, an uncommon portrayal for mainstream actresses at the time.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-29 |title=बॉलीवुड की वो 'खलनायिका', जो नहीं दे पाई थी 'खलनायक' को टक्कर, डूबा पूरा फिल्मी करियर, अब ऐसे गुजार रहीं जिंदगी |url=https://hindi.news18.com/photogallery/entertainment/bollywood-anu-aggarwal-film-khal-naaikaa-could-not-compete-with-sanjay-dutt-khalnayak-after-that-shockingly-his-entire-film-career-sank-7938567.html |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=News18 हिंदी |language=hi}} The following year was relatively less successful for Usgaonkar in terms of film roles, but she gained visibility on television with her brief but memorable appearance as Roopmati Nagrani in the fantasy series Chandrakanta, based on Devaki Nandan Khatri’s 1888 novel of the same name.{{Cite web |title=चंद्रकांता की रूपमती नागरानी का 29 साल में बदला लुक, वर्षा उसगांवकर की तस्वीरें देख फैंस कहेंगे- क्या ये वही है |url=https://ndtv.in/television/chandrakanta-rupmati-nagrani-aka-varsha-usgaonkar-look-changed-in-29-years-see-her-latest-pics-4185530 |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=NDTV India |language=hi}}

From 1995 to 1996, she played the title role in Ravi Chopra’s 13-episode television series Jhansi Ki Rani, which depicted Rani Lakshmibai’s leadership following the outbreak of conflict and her battles against the British.{{Cite web |title=इतनी बार परदे पर उतरीं 'खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वाली झांसी की रानी', पढ़िए मेहताब से कंगना तक की पूरी दास्तां |url=https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/entertainment/bollywood/bollywood-films-and-television-serials-on-jhansi-ki-rani-manikarnika-khoob-ladi-mardani-kangana-ranaut-kratika-sengar |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}} Presented in a documentary-style format, the series was made in both Hindi and English and was produced by Hema Malini.{{Cite news |date=2020-05-13 |title=Did you know: Daughter of former Goa deputy speaker Varsha Usgaonkar played Abhimanyu's wife Uttara in Mahabharat |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/did-you-know-daughter-of-former-goa-deputy-speaker-varsha-usgaonkar-played-abhimanyus-wife-uttara-in-mahabharat/articleshow/75721603.cms |access-date=2025-07-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} In 1995, she saw a return to form with Painjan, directed by Sadashiv Amrapurkar, where she portrayed the mistress of a missing tamasha performer, Pilajirao, whose relationships within the troupe become central to the investigation.{{Cite web |title=Painjan (1995) |url=https://indiancine.ma/AJRJ |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=Indiancine.ma}} She also played a police inspector in Zakhmi Kunku and took on a complex lead role in Aboli, portraying Mona, a mentally unstable actress who becomes dangerously possessive of a budding painter named Saya, gradually revealing her obsessive and disturbed nature.{{Cite web |last=MMW |first=Team |date=2020-11-03 |title=Sayaji Shinde, Varsha Usgaonkar, 'Aboli' Marathi Movie {{!}} |url=https://marathimovieworld.com/news/aboli-completes-25-years-of-its-release.php/attachment/sayaji-shinde-varsha-usgaonkar-aboli-marathi-movie/ |access-date=2025-07-02 |language=en-US}}

File:VarshaUsgaonkar.jpg

In 1996, she reunited with Aditya Pancholi for K. C. Bokadia’s Muqadama, though the film failed to make an impact at the box office.{{Cite web |title=Muqadama - Movie - Box Office India |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2776 |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=www.boxofficeindia.com}} During the later part of the decade, she appeared in several films, though most did not garner significant attention. Notable among them were the comedy Bayko Chukli Standvar (1998), a role she reprised over a decade later in its 2010 remake Bayko Zali Gayab; Mahesh Kothare’s Dhangad Dhinga (1999); and Ladhaai (1999), in which she played a strong-willed female protagonist.{{Cite news |date=2015-01-17 |title=Mahesh cries remembering Lakshya |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/marathi/mahesh-kothare-lakshmikant-berde/articleshow/45920849.cms |access-date=2025-07-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} She won her third State Award and earned a Filmfare Marathi nomination for Best Actress for the 1998 drama Paij Lagnachi, in which she portrayed a bold and confident young woman from a wealthy background who thrives on challenges.{{Cite web |title=Paij Lagnachi {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/paij_lagnachi |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}} She was also seen in the biographical drama Dhyaas Parva, based on the life of Raghunath Dhondo Karve, a pioneer in promoting family planning and birth control in India, in which she portrayed Shakuntala Paranjpye, an acclaimed writer, actress, and noted social reformer.{{Cite news |date=2015-06-22 |title=Amol Palekar approaches NFAI for preservation of his films |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/amol-palekar-approaches-nfai-for-preservation-of-his-films/articleshow/47758053.cms |access-date=2025-07-02 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

With the start of the new century, Usgaonkar remained active in both films and television. In 2000, she portrayed Goddess Mohini, the female avatar of Vishnu, in Vishnu Puran, marking her third collaboration with Ravi Chopra, and also played the lead in Alvida Darling, directed by Anant Mahadevan, a light-hearted series about a divorcing couple growing unexpectedly close.{{Cite web |date=2021-05-23 |title=मोहिनी अवतार में होश उड़ा चुकी हैं ये एक्ट्रेस, आज भी नहीं हटती इनसे नजरें |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zee-hindustan/entertainment/varsha-usgaonkar-amrita-parakh-madan-these-actress-played-the-role-of-goddess-mohini/905639 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=Zee News Hindi |language=hi}}{{Cite web |date=2020-06-05 |title=Vishnu Puran serial cast: List of actors who play Prahlad, Dhruv and other major roles in serial on DD Bharati |url=https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/telly-talk/serials/article/vishnu-puran-serial-cast-list-of-actors-who-play-key-roles-in-br-chopras-television-serial-on-doordarshan/592137 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=www.zoomtventertainment.com |language=en}}{{cite news |title=I feel sad and deprived, I do miss Chamatkar |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/Storyold/84269/ |access-date=3 January 2015 |newspaper=The Indian Express }} She later appeared in an episode of Zee TV’s anthology series Kabhie Kabhie (2003) and began portraying maternal roles, such as in Zee Marathi’s Tuzyavina, alongside Urmilla Kothare and Yatin Karyekar.{{cite news |date=2004-01-14 |title=Zee debuts 15th series of 'Kabhie Kabhie' |url=https://plus.google.com/107324234873078450867 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125123456/http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k4/jan/jan92.htm |archive-date=2021-01-25 |access-date=2025-07-03 |work=Indian Television Dot Com}} In Jaane Pehchaane Se... Ye Ajnabbi, she played Kamini, a manipulative antagonist who murders her son and daughter-in-law and attempts to kill their relative to seize the family wealth.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-12 |title=सिद्धार्थ शुक्ला के वो 8 यादगार किरदार, जिनकी वजह से वो दर्शकों के दिलों में हमेशा ज़िंदा रहेंगे |url=https://hindi.scoopwhoop.com/entertainment/best-roles-of-sidharth-shukla/ |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=ScoopWhoop Hindi |language=hi}} In films, Usgaonkar was paired with younger actors such as Bharat Jadhav and Ankush Chaudhari; with Chaudhari, she played a rich college girl turned entrepreneur in Sakshatkar. She starred opposite Laxmikant Berde for the last time in Tuzyacha Sathi, portraying a woman who conspires with her lover to murder her husband.{{Cite web |title=Tuzyacha Sathi Movie Trailer, Star Cast, Release Date, Box Office, Movie Review {{!}} Tuzyacha Sathi Movie budget and Collection {{!}} Tuzyacha Sathi |url=https://www.indianfilmhistory.com/movie/tuzyacha-sathi |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=www.indianfilmhistory.com |language=en}} That same year, her final Hindi film in a leading role, Hatya: The Murder opposite Akshay Kumar, was released after being delayed since 1992.{{Cite web |title=अक्षयला पाहून लाजल्या वर्षा उसगांवकर, या रोमॅन्टिक सिनेमात केलंय दोघांनी काम, पोस्टर आहे खूपच बोल्ड |url=https://marathi.indiatimes.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/varsha-usgaonkar-movie-with-akshay-kumar-hatya-the-murder-know-more-facts-about-bigg-boss-marathi-5-contestant/articleshow/112445722.cms |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=Maharashtra Times |language=mr}} In 2005, she appeared in comedy Sawaal Majha Premacha, a tale of a mother and daughter, both accomplished dancers, who captivate a father and son, alongside Ajinkya Deo, Ashok Saraf, and Madhu Kambikar.{{Cite web |title=Ajinkya Deo: News, Movies, Photos, Videos & Updates |url=https://indianexpress.com/about/ajinkya-deo/ |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} She also took on character roles in Hindi films, notably as Rani Laxmibai in Mangal Pandey: The Rising, and as a principled mother who supports her daughter’s ambitions, unaware of the sacrifices her daughter makes in Jigyaasa.{{Cite news |date=2005-08-11 |title='Mangal Pandey': Will history repeat itself for Aamir? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bollywood/mangal-pandey-will-history-repeat-itself-for-aamir/articleshow/1197953.cms |access-date=2025-07-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}{{Cite news |date=2005-10-01 |title=Much ado about Mallika |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1249244.cms |access-date=2025-07-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

In 2009, she featured in Kothare Vision’s television drama Man Udhan Varyache, where she played a high-society woman who insists her son marry a modern, educated daughter-in-law.{{Cite web |last=जोशी |first=मानसी |date=2022-07-20 |title=मन उधाण वाऱ्याचे: अनेकांच्या विस्मरणात गेलेली आठवणीतली मालिका |url=https://kalakrutimedia.com/marathi-serial-man-udhan-varyache/ |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=Kalakruti Media |language=en-US}} The show garnered top ratings, and her role was especially well received by the audience.{{Cite web |title=Indiantelevision.com > TV Ratings > TAM's Top 100 Programmes |url=http://www.indiantelevision.com:80/tvr/telemeter/telechanneltam.php?ch=Star+Pravah&startperiod=06/02/2011&endperiod=12/02/2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615063203/http://www.indiantelevision.com:80/tvr/telemeter/telechanneltam.php?ch=Star+Pravah&startperiod=06/02/2011&endperiod=12/02/2011 |archive-date=2012-06-15 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=www.indiantelevision.com}} Around this time, she also appeared in the critically acclaimed action drama Arjun and the family drama Thoda Tuza Thoda Maza.{{Cite news |date=2011-09-26 |title=Bollywood gives music to Marathi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news-and-interviews/Bollywood-gives-music-to-Marathi/articleshow/10126989.cms |access-date=2025-07-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} In 2013, she played the mother of an innocent, introverted boy (played by Swapnil Joshi) in Sanjay Jadhav’s coming-of-age romantic drama Duniyadari. The film was a massive success, becoming the highest-grossing Marathi film of the year and earning cult status.{{Cite news |date=2018-08-29 |title=Highest grossing Marathi movies of all times |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/photofeatures/highest-grossing-marathi-movies-of-all-times/photostory/64015616.cms |access-date=2025-07-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

Her Rajasthani film debut came in 2016 with Kangana, for which she earned a Best Supporting Performance nomination at the Rajasthan Film Festival.{{Cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=487567288287370&set=pcb.487567678287331 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=www.facebook.com}} That same year, she appeared in Ardhangini Ek Ardhsatya, based on Rabindranath Tagore’s 1916 novel The Home and the World, portraying a widow who resents her sister-in-law's growing affection for a houseguest and contributes to household tension.{{Cite news |date=2017-01-28 |title=Hindi film based on Tagore's Ghare Baire to release next month |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/hindi-film-based-on-tagores-ghare-baire-to-release-next-month/articleshow/52914945.cms |access-date=2025-07-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} However, the film was panned by critics.{{Cite web |date=2016-06-27 |title=A Hindi reimagining of Ghare Baire |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/arts-entertainment/film/hindi-reimagining-ghare-baire-1246210 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=The Daily Star |language=en}} Usgaonkar made her Konkani film debut with Zanvoy No.1 in 2018, which received an overwhelming response upon release and set a record in Mangalorean cinema as the first Konkani film to be screened simultaneously at 13 theatres across the region.{{Cite web |title=Mangaluru: Director Harry Fernandes brings Bollywood touch to Konkani films |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=485279 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=www.daijiworld.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Super-hit Konkani film 'Zanvoy No.1' to hit screens in Dubai in Sept |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=515334 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=www.daijiworld.com |language=en}} A year later, she reunited with the Zanvoy No.1 team for the Konkani film Benddkar, which also received a positive response from audiences and critics alike.{{Cite web |title='Benddkar' Konkani movie witnesses successful shows in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=640266 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=www.daijiworld.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Mangaluru: Konkani film 'Benddkar' set to release on Nov 22 |url=https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=645284 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=daijiworld.com |language=en}} After a decade, she reunited with Kothare Vision for the successful series Sukh Mhanje Nakki Kay Asta!, portraying a loving and resilient matriarch who selflessly endures immense loss and remains the emotional anchor of the family across generations.{{Cite news |date=2020-08-04 |title=Veteran actress Varsha Usgaonkar to feature in upcoming TV show Sukh Mhanje Nakki Kay Asta |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/marathi/veteran-actress-varsha-usgaonkar-to-feature-in-upcoming-tv-show-sukh-mhanje-nakki-kay-asta/articleshow/77346554.cms |access-date=2025-07-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} She exited the series in 2024 and went on to participate in the reality television show Bigg Boss Marathi 5, where she finished in 7th place.{{Cite web |last=मेढे |first=जयदीप |date=2024-07-24 |title='बिग बॉस मराठी'च्या घरात दिसणार? 'सुख म्हणजे...मालिका सोडण्याचे कारण वर्षा उसगांवकरांनी स्पष्टच |url=https://marathi.abplive.com/entertainment/television/varsha-usgaonkar-on-bigg-boss-marathi-season-5-actress-varsha-usgaonkar-revel-that-why-she-left-star-pravah-marathi-serial-sukh-mhanje-nakki-kay-asta-1300445 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=marathi.abplive.com |language=mr}}{{Cite web |last=Naik |first=Payal |date=2024-07-24 |title=वर्षा उसगावकर यांनी का सोडली 'सुख म्हणजे...' मालिका? स्वतः सांगितलं कारण; बिग बॉसमध्ये जाण्याच्या अफवांवरही सोडलं मौन |url=https://www.esakal.com/premier/varsha-usgaonkar-reveal-why-she-leave-sukh-mhanje-nakki-kay-asta-serial-know-the-reason-psn14 |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=Marathi News Esakal |language=Mr}}

In 2022, she took on a darker role as Bagi Begum, a princess of the Adil Shahi Dynasty of Bijapur, in Digpal Lanjekar’s historical action film Sher Shivraj.{{Cite news |date=2022-04-12 |title=Sukh Mhanje Nakki Kay Asta actress Varsha Usgaonkar to play 'Badi Begum' in historical film 'Sher Shivraj' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/marathi/sukh-mhanje-nakki-kay-asta-actress-varsha-usgaonkar-to-play-badi-begum-in-historical-film-sher-shivraj/articleshow/90794731.cms |access-date=2025-07-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} After 36 years, she and longtime collaborator Prashant Damle teamed up once again for the stage play Sarkha Kahitari Hotay, a comedy that explores the humorous yet relatable challenges families face due to generational differences and received critical acclaim.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-20 |title=Marathi Play 'Sarkha Kahitari Hotay' Garners Enthusiastic Response From Belagavi's Theater Aficionados - All About Belgaum |url=https://allaboutbelgaum.com/news/marathi-play-sarkha-kahitari-hotay-garners-enthusiastic-response-from-belagavis-theater-aficionados/ |access-date=2025-07-04 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Video: वर्षा उसगांवकर प्रशांत दामले ३६ वर्षांनंतर पुन्हा रंगभूमीवर, लवकरच दिसणार नाटकात |url=https://marathi.indiatimes.com/entertainment/mata-sanmaan/drama/after-36-years-prashant-damle-and-varsha-usgaonkar-working-together-in-new-project/articleshow/89593204.cms |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=Maharashtra Times |language=mr}}

Continuing her artistic exploration, Usgaonkar made her tiatr debut in 2025 with Devachem Nanv, Jietam Hanv, a production that touches on themes of family, marriage, land, and mental health.{{Cite web |last=Kaur |first=Ramandeep |date=2025-06-26 |title=On the tiatr stage – The Navhind Times {{!}} Goa News |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2025/06/26/magazines/buzz/on-the-tiatr-stage/ |access-date=2025-06-27 |language=en-US}} She portrayed a modern mother and mother-in-law who values family unity and also showcased her talents in singing and dancing, with her performance receiving much appreciation from the audience.

File:Varsha-Ajay.jpg

Usgaonkar is publicly reticent about her personal life. During the late 1980s, while filming the television series Mahabharat, she met actor Nitish Bharadwaj, who played the role of Lord Krishna.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-12 |title=वर्षा उसगांवकर आणि 'या' अभिनेत्याची आहे अत्यंत खास लव्ह स्टोरी, पहिल्याच भेटीत… |url=https://www.tv9marathi.com/web-stories/marathi-cinema/know-about-the-love-story-of-actress-varsha-usgaonkar-and-actor-nitish-bharadwaj |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=TV9 Marathi |language=mr}} The two began a romantic relationship during the production of the show, however, the relationship ended in 1991 reportedly due to opposition from Bharadwaj’s family.{{Cite web |title=वर्षा उसगांवकर होत्या 'या' अभिनेत्याच्या प्रेमात; घडलं असं काही अन् अपूर्ण राहिली प्रेमकहाणी |url=https://marathi.indiatimes.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/bigg-boss-marathi-5-fame-varsha-usgaonkar-was-in-love-with-nitish-bharadwaj-while-mahabharat-serial/articleshow/115560750.cms |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Maharashtra Times |language=mr}}{{Cite news |title=Which controversial actresses' life can be portrayed onscreen? |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/photofeatures/which-controversial-actresses-life-can-be-portrayed-onscreen/photostory/41513473.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-11-29 |issn=0971-8257}}

Initially, Usgaonkar was not ready for marriage. However, when she eventually began considering it after encouragement from actress Tanuja, her parents expressed a desire for her to marry into a family with an artistic background.{{cite web |last=online-lokmat |date=2024-02-16 |title="१० वर्षांपूर्वी आम्ही पहिल्यांदा भेटलो होतो पण...", वर्षा उसगावकर यांच्या लग्नाची गोष्ट |url=https://www.lokmat.com/marathi-cinema/varsha-usgaonkar-marriage-love-story-ajay-sharma-10-years-ago-first-meeting-a1113/ |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Lokmat |language=mr}}{{Cite web |title=असा नवरा नको गं बाई! विवाहित पुरुषांच्या नादाला लागायचं नाही... वर्षा उसगावकर असं का म्हणाल्या? |url=https://marathi.indiatimes.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/varsha-usgaonkar-talked-about-her-marriage-she-did-not-want-married-husband/articleshow/107773981.cms |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Maharashtra Times |language=mr}} In March 2000, she entered into an arranged marriage with Ajay Sharma, the son of Padma Shri awardee and renowned music director Ravi Shankar Sharma.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=अभिनेत्री वर्षा उसगांवकर यांनी केलं होतं अरेंज मॅरेज, कोण आहेत त्यांचे पती? जाणून घ्या |url=https://www.loksatta.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/4536189/who-is-varsha-usgaonkar-husband-ajay-shankar-son-of-indian-music-director-ravi-shankar-sharma-hrc-97/ |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Loksatta |language=mr}} Usgaonkar later admitted that she was hesitant about the match at the time, as she had envisioned a love marriage and felt that Ajay did not align with her earlier expectations.{{cite web |last=Moneycontrol News Desk |date=2024-09-16 |title=Varsha Usgaonkar reveals she was hesitant to marry her current husband Ajay Sharma, know why |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/varsha-usgaonkar-reveals-she-was-hesitant-to-marry-her-current-husband-ajay-sharma-know-why-article-12823004.html |access-date=2025-06-25 |website=Moneycontrol |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-27 |title=Bigg Boss Marathi 5: Varsha Usgaonkar Reveals She Was Not Ready To Marry Her Current Husband For THIS Reason |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tv/bigg-boss-marathi-5-varsha-usgaonkar-reveals-she-was-not-ready-to-marry-her-current-husband-for-this-reason-article-112842738 |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Times Now |language=en}} Interestingly, Ajay and Usgaonkar had first met nearly a decade earlier, when she was performing in a Lavani production for the British television channel Channel 4, which was produced by Ajay.

Tensions within the family surfaced publicly in 2010, when her father-in-law, Ravi, filed a complaint against Usgaonkar and Ajay, alleging mental harassment and claiming he had been barred from entering the first floor of his own residence.{{cite web |url=http://m.outlookindia.com/story.aspx?sid=1&aid=672734 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411151546/http://m.outlookindia.com/story.aspx?sid=1&aid=672734 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 April 2013 |title=Redirection From Mobile URL |publisher=m.outlookindia.com |access-date=3 January 2015 }}{{cite news |last=Kotwani |first=Hiren |date=2010-01-18 |title=Varsha's harassing me |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/varsha-s-harassing-me/story-0ZLLjegfa8Ywun5Ci9IvgP.html |access-date=2025-06-28 |work=Hindustan Times}} A few years later, in 2013, she became involved in a legal dispute with her sisters-in-law, Chhaya Ojha and Veena Upadhyaya, regarding the ownership of their late father’s bungalow in Santacruz, Mumbai.{{Cite web |title=Varsha Usgaonkar battles sisters-in-law after their home turns into war zone |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/crime/varsha-usgaonkar-battles-sisters-in-law-after-their-home-turns-into-war-zone/articleshow/25079064.html |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Mumbai Mirror |language=en}} After Ravi’s passing, the sisters accused Usgaonkar and her husband of harassment and unauthorized occupation of the property. The matter escalated to police complaints and eventually reached the Bandra Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in 2018.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-30 |title=Will Varsha Usgaonkar Open Up About Her Dirty Fight With Her Sisters-In-Law In Bigg Boss Marathi 5? - Exclusive |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tv/will-varsha-usgaonkar-open-up-about-her-dirty-fight-with-her-sisters-in-law-in-bigg-boss-marathi-5-exclusive-article-112136909 |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Times Now |language=en}} The court facilitated a settlement, dividing the property among the family members and ordering the installation of CCTV cameras to prevent further conflicts.{{Cite news |date=2019-09-06 |title=Varsha Usgaonkar battles sisters-in-law |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/movies/news/varsha-usgaonkar-battles-sisters-in-law/articleshow/25114025.cms |access-date=2025-06-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}

Her father, A. K. S. Usgaonkar, passed away on 16 June 2020 after a prolonged illness at Goa Medical College in Bambolim.{{Cite web |last= |date=2020-06-16 |title=वर्षा उसगावकर यांचे वडिल अन् गोव्याचे माजी मंत्री अच्युत उसगावकर यांचे निधन |url=https://www.lokmat.com/filmy/varsha-usgavkars-father-and-former-goa-minister-achyut-usgavkar-passed-away-a601/ |access-date= |website=Lokmat |language=mr}}{{Cite web |title=वर्षा उसगावकरांचे वडील अच्युत उसगावकरांचे गोव्यात निधन |url=https://marathi.indiatimes.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/varsha-usgaonkar-father-and-former-goa-minister-achyut-usgaonkar-passes-away/articleshow/76398737.cms |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Maharashtra Times |language=mr}} Due to the COVID-19 lockdown in India at the time, she was unable to attend his funeral.{{Cite web |last=Marathi |first=TV9 |date=2024-08-18 |title=Varsha Usgaonkar: वडिलांचं अंत्यसंस्कारही वर्षा यांच्या नशिबात नव्हतं, कारण... |url=https://www.tv9marathi.com/entertainment/varsha-usgaonkar-miss-the-funeral-of-his-father-due-to-covid-19-1253794.html |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=TV9 Marathi |language=mr}}

File:Varsha Usgaonkar graces closing ceremony of IFFI 2017 in Goa (03).jpg 2017 in Goa.]]

Usgaonkar is considered one of the most prominent faces in Marathi cinema. Widely regarded as a youth icon of her time, she enjoyed immense popularity for her screen presence, dance skills, and distinctive style.{{Cite web |title=Varsha Usgaonkar's Beauty Secret: A Love For Food And Daily Yoga |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/varsha-usgaonkars-beauty-secret-a-love-for-food-and-daily-yoga-9038709.html |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=News18 |language=en}} Her vibrant performances and crossover appeal in both Marathi and Hindi entertainment industries contributed to her widespread recognition during the late 1980s and 1990s.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-28 |title=19व्या वर्षी पहिला चित्रपट, 25मध्ये टॉपलेस फोटोशूट, मालिकेतील 'माई' कशी बनली इंडस्ट्रीची ग्लॅमर क्वीन? |url=https://news18marathi.com/photogallery/entertainment/varsha-usgaonkar-first-film-at-19-topless-photo-shoot-at-25-how-did-mai-become-the-glamor-queen-of-the-industry-1345170.html |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=news18marathi.com |language=mr}} At the height of her career, she was frequently featured in film magazines, entertainment tabloids, and popular media.{{Cite news |date=2014-05-06 |title=Varsha Usgaonkar added glam to the IMA installation ceremony in Nagpur |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/nagpur/varsha-usgaonkar-at-the-ima-installation-ceremony-in-nagpur/articleshow/34738150.cms |access-date=2025-06-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} Regarded as a style icon, Usgaonkar was known for effortlessly blending traditional Indian attire with bold fashion choices, including wearing a swimsuit on screen—an uncommon move for Marathi actresses of that era.{{Cite web |last=IWMBuzz |first=Author |date=2021-05-15 |title=Blast From The Past: Varsha Usgaonkar And Her Iconic Looks Of All Times |url=https://www.iwmbuzz.com/lifestyle/fashion/blast-past-varsha-usgaonkar-iconic-looks-times/2021/05/15 |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=IWMBuzz |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2014-05-06 |title=Varsha Usgaonkar added glam to the IMA installation ceremony in Nagpur |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/nagpur/varsha-usgaonkar-at-the-ima-installation-ceremony-in-nagpur/articleshow/34738150.cms |access-date=2025-06-29 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} In the mid-1990s, she drew public attention for participating in a topless photoshoot for an English-language magazine.{{Cite web |last=Borade |first=Aarti Vilas |title=Varsha Usgaonkar: मराठमोळी अभिनेत्री वर्षा उसगांवकरांचा 'टॉपलेस' फोटो पुन्हा व्हायरल |url=https://marathi.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/varsha-usgaonkar-topless-photo-viral-on-social-media-141663061315927.html |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Hindustan Times Marathi |language=mr}} The shoot generated significant controversy and was widely criticized by audiences at the time, sparking debates around onscreen representation and celebrity image.{{Cite web |title=टॉपलेस फोटोशूटमुळे वादात सापडलेल्या वर्षा उसगांवकर; त्या फोटोंमुळे उडालेली खळबळ! |url=https://marathi.indiatimes.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/marathi-actress-varsha-usgaonkar-topless-photoshoot-for-magazine-cover/articleshow/98291964.cms |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Maharashtra Times |language=mr}}

In the mid-1990s, she performed over a thousand stage shows titled Varsha Usgaonkar Nights, and in 2008, released a Konkani music album Roop Tujem Laita Pixem, featuring five songs sung by her in collaboration with noted singer Ulhas Buyao.{{cite web |year=2010 |title=Rock and Raaga |url=http://www.rockandraaga.in/node/103 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022181800/http://www.rockandraaga.in/node/103 |archive-date=22 October 2017 |access-date=3 January 2015 |publisher=rockandraaga.in}} In March 2015, she walked the ramp alongside hotelier Timmy Narang at the 10th Annual Caring with Style fashion event held in Mumbai, an initiative supporting cancer patients through the NGO Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA).{{Cite web |date=2015-03-02 |title=Sonakshi Sinha, Aamir Khan on ramp for charity |url=https://indianexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/aamir-khan-sonakshi-sinha-walk-the-ramp-for-charity/ |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{cite web |date=2015-03-03 |title=Sonakshi Sinha, Aamir Khan Shine on the Ramp |url=https://www.masala.com/gallery/sonakshi-sinha-aamir-khan-shine-on-the-ramp-190445 |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=Masala.com}} In 2016, Usgaonkar contested and won the first-ever Indian Marathi Film Corporation election from the actors’ group, securing a position on the board of directors.{{Cite web |last=कोकणे |first=परशुराम |date=2020-01-11 |title=वर्षा उसगावकर म्हणाल्या.. कलाकारांची फसवणूक टाळण्यासाठी महामंडळ सज्ज! |url=https://www.esakal.com/paschim-maharashtra/film-actres-varsha-usgaonkar-news-251383 |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Marathi News Esakal |language=Mr}}{{cite web |last=online-lokmat |date=2016-04-27 |title=चित्रपट महामंडळाच्या निवडणूकीत वर्षा उसगावकर विजयी |url=https://www.lokmat.com/marathi-cinema/varsha-usgaonkar-wins-election-of-chitrapat-mahamandal-a562/ |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Lokmat |language=mr}}

• Mahapur
• Ek Hoti Vaghinn
• Andhar Mazha Sobti
• Baki Itihaas
• Ashroonchi Zhali Phule
• Karti Premmat Padali
• Brahmachari (1982)
• Piano For Sale (2018){{Cite news |date=2018-12-01 |title=Varsha Usgaonkar and Kishori Shahane come together for a Marathi play |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi/theatre/varsha-usgaonkar-and-kishori-shahane-come-together-for-a-marathi-play/articleshow/66898898.cms |access-date=2025-06-29 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}
• Sarkha Kahitari Hotay (2022)
• Devachem Nanv, Jietam Hanv (2025)

• 1987 – Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actress for Gammat Jammat.{{Cite book |last=सुधीर वासुदेव नांदगावकर |first=चैतन्य कुंटे |url=http://archive.org/details/20190823_20190823_0935 |title=शिल्पकार चरित्रकोश खंड ७ – चित्रपट, संगीत |date=2014}}
• 1989 – Nominated, Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actress for Hamaal De Dhamaal.
• 1992 – Nominated, Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actress for Ek Hota Vidushak.
• 1993 – Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for Savat Mazi Ladki.
• 1998 – Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actress for Paij Lagnachi.
• 1998 – Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Paij Lagnachi.
• 2000 – Nominated, Screen Awards Best Actress (Marathi) For Film Tuch Majhi Suhasini.
• 2016 – Krutadnyata Awards for Contribution in Marathi Cinema
• 2024 – Sakal Premier Awards for Contributions in Cinema{{Cite web |last=वृत्तसेवा |first=सकाळ |date=2024-06-14 |title=Sakal Premier Awards 2024 : हा पुरस्कार पवित्र अन्‌ मंगलमय : वर्षा उसगावकर |url=https://www.esakal.com/premier/sakal-premier-awards-2024-is-pure-and-auspicious-varsha-usgaonkar-rjs00 |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=Marathi News Esakal |language=Mr}}
• 2024 – BIG Marathi Entertainment Awards for Evergreen Performer{{Cite web |last=Rabindra |date=2024-04-29 |title=Ashok Saraf, Siddharth Chandekar, Varsha Usgaonkar, and Others Win BIG Marathi Entertainment Awards 2024 |url=https://businessmicro.in/entertainment/ashok-saraf-siddharth-chandekar-varsha-usgaonkar-and-others-win-big-marathi-entertainment-awards-2024/ |access-date=2025-07-04 |website=Business Micro |language=en}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Usgaonkar, Varsha}}

Category:1968 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century Indian actresses

Category:21st-century Indian actresses

Category:21st-century Indian singers

Category:21st-century Indian women singers

Category:Actresses from Goa

Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema

Category:Actresses in Marathi cinema

Category:Indian film actresses

Category:Indian television actresses

Category:Indian women playback singers

Category:Indian stage actresses

Category:Actresses in Marathi theatre

Category:Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University alumni

Category:Women musicians from Goa

Category:Indian Hindus

Category:Konkani people

Category:People of Konkani descent

Category:Konkani-language singers

Category:Singers from Goa

Category:Tiatrists