Veteran Marathi Actress Usha Chavan Threatens To Return State Awards Over Pune Land Dispute

Veteran actress Usha Chavan has worked in many Marathi films and won the hearts of audiences with her memorable performances. Usha Chavan was not only an actress but also a renowned dancer. Through her acting, dancing and screen presence, she carved a strong place for herself in Marathi cinema.

Currently, she is in the news for a different reason. The veteran actress owns a piece of land in Dhankawadi, Pune, and claims she has been facing injustice over the property for the past 26 years. In March 2026, the Bombay High Court ruled in her favour. However, the case has now taken a different turn.

Recently, Usha Chavan stated on social media, saying, “I, senior Marathi actress Usha Chavan, am presenting my position before the people of Maharashtra during a very painful time. Regarding the property owned by my family and currently under legal dispute, the Hon’ble High Court clearly stated on March 4, 2026, that the property remains undivided and that my son, Hridaynath Kadu Deshmukh, has a legal stake in it.”

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She further said that despite her rights over around 13,546 sq. m. of TDR being recognised on October 20, 2023, the Pune Municipal Corporation allegedly took sudden action to grant the entire 15,066 sq. m. TDR benefit to a builder company.

In her statement, she alleged that ownership rights, pending disputes and her written objections were ignored. She said she had repeatedly submitted complaints and representations to concerned officials, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Chief Minister, the Urban Development Department and senior authorities, but claimed that her legal rights and court orders were overlooked.

“If the systems meant to protect citizens behave in this manner, then whom should ordinary people approach for justice?” she said. “If an elderly artist who dedicated her life to Maharashtra’s culture has to fight such a painful battle for her rights, one can only imagine the struggles faced by ordinary Marathi families.”

She further stated, “Today, a serious question has arisen in my mind about whether the property rights of ordinary citizens will truly be protected in Maharashtra. Granting full development rights to a builder organisation while forcing the original owners to struggle is not befitting of a just society.”

Usha Chavan also invoked the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, saying he fought for justice, self-respect and the rights of common people.

In a strong statement, she said she may return the awards and honours given to her by the Maharashtra government for her contribution to the arts since 1970.

“The Maharashtra government has honoured me with several awards, trophies and recognitions for my work in the field of art. However, if my rights are not protected despite court orders, then such honours hold no value for me,” she said.

“Therefore, I have decided to return the awards, honours, trophies and certificates given to me by the Maharashtra government. If necessary, I will personally place them at the Samadhi of Anand Dighe Saheb as a mark of protest.”

She added that the matter had been repeatedly brought to the notice of the Deputy Chief Minister and senior leaders connected to the Urban Development Department. She warned that if justice was not delivered, she would continue her fight through legal and democratic means.

Appealing to journalists, social workers and the people of Maharashtra, Chavan said the issue was not just about one actress, but about the property rights, justice and self-respect of ordinary citizens. She also said she was ready to place all documents, court orders and related evidence before the public.