This actress lost her husband at 26, saw financial crisis, started teaching, then her son died; later became top...

Durga Khote was born on January 14, 1905, into a Brahmin family. Her childhood name was Vita Lad. Her father was Pandurang Shamarau Lad and her mother was Manjulabai. Durga Khote hailed from a wealthy family. At a time when women were generally not encouraged to pursue education, Durga Khote did B.A. from St. Xavier’s College.

 

She was married at a young age, but became a widow at just 26 while she was still pursuing her college studies. Her family had arranged her marriage to an affluent family, and her husband was Vishwanath Khote, a mechanical engineer.

Their married life was quite happy, and they had two sons together. However, Durga Khote’s happiness was short-lived, as her husband passed away when she was only 26 years old.

After her husband’s death, Durga Khote struggled with financial difficulties. Her father-in-law took care of her and her children for a while, but he also passed away after a few days.

Following his death, some family members supported Durga Khote, but she soon realised that she could not remain dependent on others. She understood that she needed to find a way to support her family. Being educated, Durga Khote started tutoring children, which helped her manage the household expenses and sustain her family.

Durga Khote raised her two sons, Bakul and Harin, single-handedly. Both sons were well-settled, though she suffered the loss of Harin, who died in his 40s. Harin's widow, Vijaya Jaywant, later married Parsi filmmaker Farrokh Mehta and became known as Vijaya Mehta.
 

Due to financial constraints, Durga Khote entered the film industry. Her sister, Shalini knew J.B.H. Wadia, who was looking for a new face for a role in his film. Wadia suggested that Shalini take up the role, but she declined. Instead, Shalini recommended Durga Khote for the part.

When J.B.H. Wadia approached Durga Khote with the offer to work in his film, she agreed, primarily due to her financial difficulties. Consequently, she took up the role in the film Farebi Jaal, released in 1931. Unfortunately, the film was a major flop at the box office.

Durga Khote is renowned as one of the top ten actresses in mother roles in Hindi cinema. Notable performances include Jodhabai in K. Asif's Mughal-e-Azam (1960), which earned her a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and Kaikeyi in Vijay Bhatt's Bharat Milap (1942).

A postage stamp featuring Durga Khote was released by India Post on May 3, 2013, to honour her contributions to Indian cinema.