Varsha Usgaonkar is an Indian actress, singer, and stage performer born on 28 February 1968 in Usgao, Goa, into a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin family. Her father, A.K.S. Usgaonkar, was a prominent Goan politician who served as Deputy Speaker of Goa, and her mother, Manikabai Usgaonkar, was a classical singer. After relocating to Mumbai, she was mentored by renowned Marathi theatre veteran Damu Kenkre and made her stage debut in the experimental play Karti Premat Padli. Her bold portrayal in the commercial play Brahmachari (directed by Damu Kenkre, produced by Suyog Natya Sanstha) - in which she wore a T-shirt and shorts, unconventional for Marathi theatre at the time - attracted the attention of actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar, who cast her in Gammat Jammat (1987), launching her Marathi cinema career. Over the following decade she became one of Marathi cinema's biggest stars, celebrated for her versatility, glamour, and crossover appeal. She delivered acclaimed performances in Khatyal Sasu Nataal Soon (1987), Hamaal De Dhamaal (1989), Shejari Shejari (1990), Ghar Jamai (1992), Shubh Mangal Savdhan (1992), Ek Hota Vidushak (1993), Savat Mazi Ladki (1993), Lapandav (1993), Yadnya (1994), and Dhangad Dhinga (1999), winning three Maharashtra State Film Awards for Best Actress in the process. In Hindi cinema she appeared in Saathi (1991), Hafta Bandh (1991), and Tirangaa (1993). She played mythological roles in the TV series Mahabharat (1988-89), Jhansi Ki Rani (1995-96), and Vishnu Puran (2001), and had a significant Marathi TV career including Man Udhan Varyache (Star Pravah, 2009-11) and Sukh Mhanje Nakki Kay Asta! (Zee Marathi). She made her Konkani film debut in the acclaimed Zanvoy No.1 (2018), followed by Benddkar (2019). She has also released Konkani songs, performed over a thousand live stage shows, and served on the board of directors of the Indian Marathi Film Corporation. In 2000 she married Ajay Sharma, son of noted music director Ravi. She has pet cats named Narmada and Yamuna. In July 2024, she entered Bigg Boss Marathi Season 5 and was a prominent member of the season's alliances. She was eliminated on Day 66, finishing seventh.

Being widely regarded as the 'Wonder Girl' and the 'Sridevi' of Marathi cinema in the late 1980s and 1990s; three Maharashtra State Film Awards for Best Actress; her breakout Marathi comedy Gammat Jammat (1987); notable Bollywood films including Saathi (1991), Hafta Bandh (1991), and Tirangaa (1993); her acclaimed Konkani film debut in Zanvoy No.1 (2018); her acclaimed role in the Marathi serial Sukh Mhanje Nakki Kay Asta!; finishing seventh in Bigg Boss Marathi Season 5 (2024).

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