Daya Dongre

Actress

Indian Amravati, Maharashtra

Quick Info

ProfessionActress
NationalityIndian
Date of Birth11/03/1940
Age85 years (died on 02, Nov, 2025)
BirthplaceAmravati, Maharashtra
Date of Death02/11/2025

Latest News about Daya Dongre

02/11/2025

Veteran Marathi actress Daya Dongre passed away at the age of 85 following age-related health issues. The acclaimed performer, known for her iconic roles in Doordarshan's 'Gajra' and films like 'Maaybaap' and 'Umbartha', left behind a significant legacy in Marathi theatre, cinema, and television. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other prominent figures paid heartfelt tributes to her contributions to the performing arts.

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Bio/Wiki

ReligionHinduism
Death CauseAge Related Illness

Physical Stats & More

Eye ColorBlack
Hair ColorBlack

Educational Qualification(s)

Education
  • Studied classical music under Nageshbuwa Khalekar
  • Briefly attended National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi
  • Studied at Fergusson College, Pune

Personal Life

Marital StatusMarried

Relationships & More

HusbandSharad Dongre
Children
  • Sangeeta Dongre
  • Amrita Dongre

Family

MotherYamunatai Modak (Actress)
SpouseSharad Dongre
Children
  • Sangeeta Dongre
  • Amrita Dongre
AuntShanta Modak (Singer-Actress)

Career

OverviewDaya Dongre began showcasing her passion for performance at a young age, making her stage debut at six. She gained recognition on All India Radio during her adolescence for her classical and light music performances. After relocating to Pune for higher education, she received formal classical music training. Though she briefly attended the National School of Drama in Delhi, her marriage and family obligations interrupted her theater studies.
Marathi TheatreThroughout the 1970s, she became a prominent figure in Marathi theater, known for her roles in productions like 'Lekure Udand Jhali' and 'Khatyal Sasu Nathal Soon'. She was celebrated for her expressive range and strong screen presence.
Film and TelevisionDongre gained significant attention for her roles in Marathi films, particularly 'Umbartha' (1981) directed by Jabbar Patel and 'Navri Mile Navryala' (1984) directed by Sachin Pilgaonkar. She became a household name through the Doordarshan series 'Gajra' and was widely recognized for her portrayal of stern mother-in-law characters in films like 'Maaybaap', 'Atmavishwas', 'Naqaab', and 'Lalchi'. She also appeared in television serials including 'Tujhi Majhi Jamali Jodi Re', 'Nanda Saukhya Bhare', 'Awhan', and 'Swami'. Despite opportunities in Hindi cinema, she preferred to dedicate her career to Marathi cinema and theatre, maintaining a balanced presence in both for several decades.
LegacyDaya Dongre passed away on 02/11/2025, leaving behind a rich legacy in the Marathi performing arts.
Awards and RecognitionFor her impactful roles in 'Maaybaap' and 'Khatyal Sasu Nathal Soon', Dongre was honoured by the Government of Maharashtra.

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Showcased a passion for performance from a young age, debuting on stage at six years old with the song 'Khabardar Jar Taach Maruni'.
2. Gained recognition for classical and light music performances on All India Radio during her teenage years.
3. Relocated to Pune for higher education and received formal training in classical music under Nageshbuwa Khalekar.
4. Briefly attended the National School of Drama in Delhi but had to discontinue due to marriage and family commitments.
5. Became a familiar name in Marathi theatre during the 1970s with successful plays, establishing herself as a strong actress.
6. Appeared in acclaimed Marathi films including 'Umbartha' and 'Navri Mile Navryala', contributing to her lasting legacy.
7. Chose to focus on regional theatre and Marathi films despite receiving offers from Hindi cinema.
8. Born as Daya Modak in Amravati, Maharashtra, into a family deeply rooted in the performing arts.
9. Her husband Sharad Dongre was supportive of her acting career and never discouraged her from performing.
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