A very sad news has come from the industry. There was an actress who dedicated her entire life to acting. She won audiences’ hearts as a mother, and then stunned people with her powerful performance as a mother-in-law. Today, she is no longer with us. Her passing has saddened not just her fans, but the entire film and television industry, and perhaps her void will never be filled. She was an actress whose acting had a unique simplicity. Her voice, her style, and the characters she played are still alive in the minds of viewers.
On screen she may have often looked strict and angry, but in real life her heart was extremely soft. Her close ones didn’t see her just as an artist, but as part of the family, and remembering her, many people from the film industry have teary eyes. Especially the pain of one actor has come out, who considered her his second mother. The way he remembered this “mother” of his can move anyone to tears. We are talking about veteran Bollywood and Marathi cinema actress Daya Dongre.
Daya Dongre passed away today, on 3rd November 2025, at the age of 85. She had been battling age-related illnesses for a long time, and today, on her first death anniversary, the entire industry is remembering her once again. The news of her demise had saddened everyone from Marathi cinema to Hindi films and the television world at that time. The person who was most emotional after her passing was actor Nitish Bhardwaj,
who is still remembered for his role as Lord Krishna in _Mahabharat_. Nitish shared a very emotional post on social media after Daya Dongre’s death. In that post, he called Daya Dongre his second mother and remembered the time he spent with her. Nitish wrote, “In my first feature film, my mother Daya Mausi passed away. I am mourning the death of my second mother, who always used to reach out to me to ask how I was doing.” Nitish further said that although on screen Daya Dongre may have looked unreasonable and unjust, in real life she was a very good person.
She used to stand in the kitchen of her home in Mahim and cook very good food for him. Nitish just had to tell her what he felt like eating, and Daya Mausi would prepare that dish for him. He also wrote that after his mother passed away, Daya was the only person who had the right to scold him. Imagine, what bigger thing could there be for an artist than this — that a relationship played on screen becomes so deep in real life that the other person gives you the status of a mother. But Nitish Bhardwaj’s post didn’t end there. He further wrote that he understands the philosophy behind death, but the loss of a mother always leaves behind a void that can never be filled.
His heart has sunk once again. He expressed his condolences to the Dongre and Dandekar family and also prayed for Daya Mausi’s soul to rest in peace. At the end of his note, he lovingly wrote, “Love you Mausi.”Let me tell you, Nitish Bhardwaj and Daya Dongre worked together in a Marathi film that was released in 1987. It was during this film that a special bond formed between them. Nitish didn’t consider her just his co-star, but a member of the family. Now let’s talk about Daya Dongre’s life and that remarkable journey which made her one of the most memorable actresses of Marathi and Hindi cinema. Daya Dongre’s real name was Daya Modak. She was born on 11th March 1940 in Amravati, Maharashtra. Her family was already connected to the world of art and the industry.
Her mother Yamuna Tai Modak was an actress, while her aunt Shantabai Modak was a famous singer. This is why Daya’s interest in music and acting started from childhood. She began taking interest in singing at a very young age. She even participated in an All India Radio competition, where she got her initial recognition. But Daya’s dreams weren’t limited to just becoming a singer. The world of acting was also pulling her in. After completing school and college, she stepped into the world of theatre. At just 16 years old, she started her stage acting career with the play _Rambha_ by Moji Rangnekar. Stepping onto the stage at such a young age and grabbing people’s attention with her acting was a big achievement for her.
After this, she studied further in Pune and took admission in Delhi’s National School of Drama, NSD, to learn acting seriously. Although her studies remained incomplete after marriage, she never left acting. Daya Dongre began her career in Marathi theatre. She made such a mark with her acting on stage that gradually she started getting work in films and television. Her first Marathi film was _Umbartha_, released in 1982. After that, she worked in many films. After establishing herself in Marathi cinema, Daya Dongre also turned to Hindi films. In 1992, she was seen in Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla’s film _Daulat Ki Jung_.
Her work in this film was also loved a lot by the audience. Apart from this, her contribution to the television world was also very important. Doordarshan’s famous serial _Gajra_ gave her recognition in every household. Her biggest specialty was that she completely transformed into whatever character she played. Talking about her personal life, her husband’s name was Sharad Dongre. Even after marriage, she continued her acting journey. Daya Dongre was one of those stars who won a place in the audience’s hearts not just with glamour, but with her acting and hard work. Today, even though Daya Dongre is not with us, the characters she played, the memories of co-actors who worked with her, and the love of her fans will always remain with her.
And Nitish Bhardwaj’s words for Daya Dongre are proof that she made a place in people’s hearts not just on screen, but in real life too — like a mother. Today, on her first death anniversary, the entire film industry is remembering this legendary actress. And although Daya Dongre has left this world, her art and her memories will never end.
