'Maa Behen' Fame, Dharna Durga Lost Her Dad During COVID, Almost Quit Content Creation After Tragedy

We are all familiar with Dharna Durga's content on Instagram. Yes! The relatable influencer who has us on our knees laughing. However, did you know that behind her bright smile and impeccable skills lies a story likely to leave you heartbroken? The ever-smiling Dharna faced a major loss during the COVID-19 pandemic when her father passed away, leaving her to take charge of her family. So, as she wins over everyone with her performance in Maa Behen, let's take a look at what happened to her father and how she turned grief into the fuel for her success. 

Dharna Durga lost her father in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

Dharna Durga was part of a theatre group while studying at Delhi University, and during that time, she realised she had a passion for acting. However, life took an unexpected turn, and she found herself back at home, locked inside during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, COVID didn't just put her passion on hold but also brought a heartbreaking loss at her doorstep. During the second wave of the pandemic, her father caught the virus, which eventually spread to everyone at home. Nonetheless, while the rest of the family recovered, her father did not survive.

The loss left the entire family shattered and also created financial uncertainty in their household. For the unversed, Dharna's father was the primary source of income, and while her sisters were working, they had already moved into different phases of their lives. One was married, while the other was preparing for marriage. Suddenly, the family found itself facing an uncertain future. The actress, during a conversation with SheThePeople, recalled how her mother worried about how they would move forward. During that difficult period, Dharna decided to step in and help.

Dharna Durga had to step up and be the head of the family

Following her father's death, Dharna joined the family business and began working alongside her mother. She told SheThePeople that the decision came naturally because the family needed support. She recalled that she would accompany her mother to the office every day and help her manage operations while also navigating through her personal grief. Dharna clarified that her mother was already familiar with the business because both parents had run it together. However, her father had been the face of the enterprise, and most clients knew him personally.

Dharna Durga's father's death made making comic content extremely difficult for her

Dharna had begun dabbling in content creation before her father's death. However, his passing made it extremely difficult for Dharna to make comedy content. She reflected on that phase of her life and explained that comedy required a certain emotional state that felt impossible while she was grieving her father. For a period, she stopped posting altogether and focused entirely on office work. Yet something felt incomplete.

Dharna admitted that although she was committed to helping her family, she felt as though a part of her creative self was missing. Eventually, she stepped back into content creation as she became more comfortable balancing work responsibilities. After returning home from the office, she would upload one or two videos every week to stay connected to her passion. However, little did she know that being an influencer would soon change her life.

About Maa Behen

Maa Behen was released on Netflix on June 4, 2026, and is already making headlines for its comic plotline. The 2026 Hindi-language dark comedy thriller film is directed by Suresh Triveni. The film stars Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, and Dharna Durga in lead roles and has received immense praise since its release. 

What are your thoughts on Dharna Durga's success after the loss of her father? Let us know.

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