Durga Khote: From Widow to Bollywood Icon, Breaking Barriers as India's First Freelance Actress

• Durga Khote, born in Mumbai in 1905, was married at 17 and widowed at 26 with two children, supporting her family by giving tuition.
• She entered films through a small role in 'Farebi Jaal', defying societal norms that deemed acting indecent for women.
• Khote became the first freelance actress in Indian cinema, rejecting studio contracts to work with multiple companies like Prabhat Film Company, New Theatres, and Prakash Pictures.
• Her illustrious career spanned nearly 50 years, featuring over 200 films including iconic roles in 'Mughal-e-Azam', 'Mirza Ghalib', and 'Bobby'.
• She was a producer and director of the 1937 film 'Saathi', and received numerous accolades including the Padma Shri (1968) and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1983).

Why It Matters: Durga Khote's journey from adversity to cinematic legend paved the way for women in Indian cinema.