The Indian television industry has lost yet another bright star. Actress Priya Marathe, best known for her role as Varsha Deshpande in Pavitra Rishta, passed away at the age of 38 after a long battle with cancer. Her untimely demise has left her fans, colleagues, and the entire entertainment fraternity in shock. Priya was not only a well-known face in Hindi television but also a popular name in the Marathi entertainment industry. With a career spanning over 15 years, she created an irreplaceable mark with her versatile performances.
In this article, we take a detailed look at Priya Marathe’s early life, career journey, personal life, achievements, and her courageous battle with cancer, while remembering the legacy she leaves behind.
Early Life and Background
Priya Marathe was born on 23 April 1986 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, she developed an early interest in performing arts. Mumbai, being the hub of the Indian entertainment industry, gave her the perfect exposure to pursue her dreams.
Priya completed her education in Mumbai and soon began her journey into acting. While many recognize her primarily from Hindi TV serials, she also had strong roots in the Marathi industry. She believed in hard work and patience—qualities that eventually helped her become a household name.
Entry into the Entertainment Industry
Like most aspiring actors, Priya’s initial days were filled with auditions and small roles. Her first noticeable break came with the Marathi television industry, where she acted in Char Divas Sasuche, one of the longest-running Marathi serials. This show helped her gain recognition and laid the foundation for her acting career.
Her versatility soon caught the attention of Hindi television producers, and she was offered roles in several Hindi daily soaps. Unlike many actresses who get stereotyped, Priya was brave enough to experiment with both positive and negative roles, proving her adaptability as a performer.
Rise to Fame with Pavitra Rishta
Priya’s major breakthrough came in 2009 when she was cast in Zee TV’s immensely popular show Pavitra Rishta. She played the role of Varsha Deshpande, the sister of Archana (played by Ankita Lokhande). Her character initially appeared positive but later transitioned into a strong negative role, making her one of the most talked-about characters in the serial.
Her nuanced portrayal of Varsha earned her immense appreciation from critics and audiences alike. Pavitra Rishta, which also starred Sushant Singh Rajput and Hiten Tejwani, became one of the most iconic shows of its time, and Priya’s role contributed significantly to its popularity.
Other Notable Television Works
After her success in Pavitra Rishta, Priya went on to work in several hit Hindi television serials, including:
- Kasamh Se – A family drama where she played a supporting yet impactful role.
- Comedy Circus Ke Superstars – Showcasing her comic timing in a reality-based comedy series.
- Uttaran – A hit Colors TV show where Priya added her unique screen presence.
- Bade Achhe Lagte Hain – The Sony TV drama featuring Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar, in which Priya left a mark despite limited screen time.
- Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap – A historical show where she showcased her versatility.
- Savdhaan India – An episodic crime drama highlighting real-life inspired cases.
- Saath Nibhaana Saathiya – The Star Plus family drama where she played yet another memorable role.
- Bhagya Re Man – A Marathi TV show that strengthened her position in regional entertainment.
- Tuzhach Mi Geet Gaat Aahe (2023) – Her last television appearance before her health declined.
These shows reflect Priya’s ability to adapt to multiple genres—be it drama, comedy, or negative characters. She never hesitated to experiment, which is why she was respected both in Hindi and Marathi entertainment circles.
Film Career
While television remained her main domain, Priya also tried her luck in films. In 2008, she appeared in the Marathi film Hamne Jeena Seekh Liya. Later, in 2017, she was seen in Ti Ani Itar, a Marathi drama film.
Though she did not appear in many films, her performances were appreciated for their natural appeal. She was someone who focused more on quality rather than quantity.
Personal Life
Priya Marathe’s personal life was as inspiring as her career. She was married to Shantanu Moghe, a popular Marathi actor and son of veteran actor Shrikant Moghe. The couple had been together for many years before tying the knot, and their bond was admired by fans.
Despite being in the limelight, Priya was known to keep her personal life private. She preferred spending quality time with her family, away from media glare. On social media, she often shared glimpses of her life, which reflected her grounded personality.
Battle with Cancer
Priya’s life took a tragic turn when she was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. She initially responded positively to treatment and showed signs of recovery. However, in 2024, the disease returned aggressively and began spreading to different parts of her body.
According to reports, her body eventually stopped responding to treatment, and she passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at her residence in Mira Road, Mumbai. She was just 38 years old.
Her untimely demise left the industry in shock, with many co-stars and fans paying heartfelt tributes on social media.
Social Media Presence
Priya was fairly active on social media platforms, especially Instagram, where she had over 600,000 followers. Through her posts, she connected with fans, shared updates about her work, and sometimes even posted glimpses from her personal life.
Her last post came on August 11, 2024, just weeks before her passing. Fans now revisit her page to remember the actress and her vibrant spirit.
Legacy in the Entertainment Industry
Priya Marathe may no longer be with us, but her legacy continues to inspire. She is remembered for:
- Her powerful negative roles in daily soaps.
- Her contribution to both Hindi and Marathi television.
- Her courage and resilience in fighting cancer.
- Her ability to connect with audiences across generations.
Priya’s journey is a reminder that life is unpredictable, and success must always be cherished. Her work continues to live on through reruns, online streaming, and the memories of her fans.
Tributes from the Industry
After the news of her death broke, several TV personalities, co-stars, and fans took to social media to express their grief. Many remembered her as a warm, hardworking, and dedicated actress who brought authenticity to every role she played.
Colleagues from Pavitra Rishta and other shows highlighted how Priya was not just a talented actress but also a kind human being who always spread positivity.
Priya Marathe’s passing is a huge loss for the Indian television industry. At just 38 years of age, she had so much more to offer. From her early days in Marathi serials to becoming a household name with Pavitra Rishta, her journey reflects passion, determination, and courage.
Though she is gone too soon, Priya will always be remembered through her memorable performances, her grace, and the love she left behind. She continues to inspire young artists who dream of making it big in the industry.
The entertainment world has lost a gem, but her spirit and legacy will remain alive forever in the hearts of her fans.
