Durga Khote (January 14, 1905 – September 22, 1991) was a pioneering figure in Indian cinema, with a career that spanned over five decades, starring in around 200 films and numerous theatre productions. In the year 2000, India Today acknowledged Durga Khote’s contribution by featuring her in the “100 People Who Shaped India” list. Recognizing her as a trailblazer, the publication highlighted her pioneering contribution to Indian cinema. Durga Khote played a crucial role in the early days, breaking societal norms by becoming one of the first women from respected families to step into the film industry.
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Willum Skeener
Born as Vita Lad in Mumbai on January 14, 1905, Durga Khote pursued her education at Cathedral High School and St. Xavier’s College, earning her B.A. She gets married while still in college and settles in married life with her husband, Vishwanath Khote, a mechanical engineer. However, life took a turn when, at the age of 26, she became a widowed mother to two young sons, Bakul and Harin. Faced with the responsibility of supporting her family, Durga Khote ventured into the film industry, seeking work and embarking on a career that would become an integral part of her legacy.
She began her acting journey in the silent film era, making her debut in 1931 film Farebi Jaal, followed by Maya Machindra (1932), Ayodhyecha Raja (1932). Khote’s versatility shone through as she effortlessly transitioned from silent films to talkies.
In 1936, she played Saudamini in Amar Jyoti, which is one of her most memorable roles. In 1937, she produced and directed a film titled Saathi, making her one of the first women director of India.
Next comes “Admi” (1939), Aachary Atre’s Payachi Dasi (Marathi) and Charnon Ki Dasi (Hindi) (1941) and Vijay Bhatt’s classic Bharat Milap (1942), both of which got her the BFJA Best Actress Award for two consecutive years.
Durga Khote remained active in the theatre circuit for many years, especially the Marathi theatre, She was also associated with the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA).
Known for her powerful performances, she played diverse roles, ranging from mythological characters to strong-willed women. Durga Khote’s portrayal of Jodhabai in K. Asif’s epic “Mughal-e-Azam” (1960) remains etched in cinematic history. In 1963, she acted in Merchant Ivory’s debut film, The Householder (1963).
Some of her other movies are Musafir (1957), Love in Simla (1960), Kaajal (1965), Gopi (1970), Aanad (1971) Bobby (1973), Abhimaan (1973), and Bidaai (1974), for which earned the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Her final memorable role was in Subhash Ghai’s Karz (1980), where she played the role of the mother of Raj Kiran & Rishi Kapoor (Raj Kiran in reincarnation)
Apart from Hindi cinema, she made significant contributions to Marathi and Gujarati films. Khote’s commitment to her craft earned her accolades, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1983, recognizing her immense impact on Indian cinema.
Durga Khote wrote her autobiography in Marathi, entitled “Mee, Durga Khote”, which was translated into English as “I, Durga Khote.” She died on September 22, 1991.
