An eminent actress, Durga Khote made her foray in films at a time when even associating with the entertainment industry was taboo for women from traditional Indian families. Born into a conventional Maharashtrian household in 1905, Khote debuted in the silent film, Farebi Jaal. She transited to the era of talkies with the 1932 Marathi hit, Ayodhya Raja, made simultaneously in Hindi as Ayodhya Ka Raja. Her regal looks lent themselves perfectly to playing mythological and royal characters, and she excelled in films such as Maya Machhindra and Amarjyoti. Her most memorable performance was in the title role of
Debaki Bose`s Seeta.
Khote was among the earliest artistes to break the studio system still strong then. She worked with the two leading studios of the time, Prabhat Film Company of Poona and
New Theatres of Calcutta.
Midway through her career, Durga Khote moved on to playing character roles. Her role in Bidaai won her the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1974. The greatest honour, however, came almost a decade later in 1983, when she was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Khote dabbled in filmmaking too. Among others, she directed Masterji along with Neelkanth Magdum. She established her own production company, Durga Khote Productions, for making short features, documentaries, and advertisement films.
A filmography of Durga Khote will include the following films:
| Farebi Jaal |
Prithvi Vallabh |
Bhabhi |
Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke |
| Ayodhya Ka Raja |
Phool |
Musafir |
Khilona |
| Maya Machhindra |
Rukmini Swayamvar |
Raj Tilak |
Dharti Ki God Mein |
| Rajrani Meera |
Singaar |
Ardhangini |
Bawarchi |
| Seeta |
Magroor |
Love in Simla |
Abhimaan |
| Inquilab |
Nishana |
Mughal-e-Azam |
Bobby |
| Amar Jyoti |
Humlog |
Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan |
Bidaai |
| Saathhi |
Aandhiyan |
Manmauji |
Khushboo |
| Adhuri Kahani |
Anand Bhavan |
Masterji |
Shaque: |
| Chamon Ki Dash |
Ramayana |
Sagaai |
Paheli |
| Bharat Milap |
Mirza Ghalib |
Chandan Ka Palna |
Karz |
| Vijay |
Parivar |
Jhuk Gaya Aasmaan |
|
