‘Pavitra Rishta’ Actress Usha Nadkarni Reveals She Lives Alone at 79, Says Her Son Doesn’t Consider Her Mother

Veteran actress Usha Nadkarni, a household name known for her powerful roles across Hindi and Marathi cinema and television, including her iconic portrayal of Savita Deshmukh in Pavitra Rishta, has shared deeply personal insights into her life, revealing the complexities of her relationship with her son and her long-standing solitude. In a candid interview with Rajshri Marathi and a reunion on actress Ankita Lokhande's YouTube channel, the 79-year-old actress disclosed the emotional distance from her son, who was primarily raised by her mother, and her nearly four decades of independent living. ‘Computer Pe Mera Naam Laga’: Usha Nadkarni Reveals Feeling Insulted After Audition Call for ‘Bade Baap Ki Beti’ Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Gully Boy’ (Watch Video).

Usha Nadkarni on Her Son's Upbringing

Nadkarni revealed that her demanding career, particularly her extensive work in Marathi theatre which often involved multiple performances a day, made it challenging for her to dedicate sufficient time to her son's upbringing. Consequently, he was primarily raised by her mother, his maternal grandmother.

This unconventional upbringing has shaped his perception of their relationship. Nadkarni shared a poignant quote from her son, stating, "My son still tells me that I've only given birth to him. His real mother was my mother." Her son currently lives abroad.

Usha Nadkarni Living Alone Since 1987

Having separated from her husband years ago, Usha Nadkarni has been living independently since 1987, marking approximately 39 years of solitude. She shared that while she initially experienced fear upon moving into her apartment, often requesting the building guard to accompany her to her door, that fear has since dissipated. "I'm used to it. I've been living alone since 1987. I'm not scared at all," she affirmed.

Coping with Solitude and Thoughts on Mortality

Despite her acceptance of solitude, Nadkarni admitted to contemplating the implications of living alone, especially concerning her mortality. She candidly wondered if anyone would discover her passing if it occurred while she was by herself. "If I die in my sleep, my neighbours would come knocking and think, 'Buddhi ne darwaza nahi khola hai,'" she mused. However, she maintains a resilient outlook, adding, "I'm not scared even one bit" of death.

The veteran actress recently faced a profound personal loss with the passing of her brother on June 30, 2024, an event that deeply affected her. She expressed the emotional void, reflecting, "My brother passed away last year on June 30. If he had understood that I was going through something, he would have come running to me. Now, whom should I tell?"

Usha Nadkarni's career spans decades, with notable roles including Pavitra Rishta (Savita Deshmukh), Bigg Boss Marathi 1 (contestant, 2018), Vaastav: The Reality (1999), Krishna Cottage (2004), Rustom (2016), Ventilator (2016), Deool (2011), Gundaraj (1995), and Bhootnath Returns (2014). Pavitra Rishta 2.0: Usha Nadkarni Talks About Being Part of the Show and How She Helped the Young Actors With Her Advice.

Her revelations offer a rare glimpse into the personal struggles behind the celebrated public persona of one of Bollywood and Marathi entertainment's most enduring figures.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2026 04:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).