Last Updated:
Priya Marathe’s funeral saw Marathi actors Abhijeet Khandekar, Prarthana Behere, Suyash Tilak & others in tears as they bid farewell to the Pavitra Rishta actress.
Priya Marathe’s death at 38 has left the Marathi and Hindi TV industry in shock. At her funeral in Mumbai, actors like Abhijeet Khandekar, Prarthana Behere, Suyash Tilak, Shalmali Toyle, and Om Prakash Shinde were seen breaking down as they paid their last respects.
The Marathi entertainment industry is mourning the loss of popular actress Priya Marathe, who passed away in Mumbai on August 31, 2025, at the age of 38 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Known for her memorable role as Varsha in the iconic television series Pavitra Rishta and a wide array of Marathi and Hindi projects, Priya’s untimely demise has left a void that fans and colleagues alike are struggling to come to terms with.
Emotional Scenes At The Funeral
Priya’s funeral turned into a heartbreaking affair as several well-known names from the Marathi industry arrived to pay their last respects. A clip shared by Marathi Manoranjan captured actor Abhijeet Khandekar taking his final look at Priya, visibly shaken as he consoled a grieving family member.
Actress Prarthana Behere was also seen breaking down in tears. In a video posted by Rajshri Marathi, she folded her hands in a silent prayer, her face streaked with grief. Actors Shalmali Toyle and Om Prakash Shinde were also present, both appearing emotional as they mourned their colleague.
Veteran actor Astad Kale too was spotted at the funeral, joining the long list of Marathi celebrities who came to offer condolences. Later, actor Suyash Tilak was seen arriving solemnly to pay his respects.
According to reports, Priya had been receiving treatment for cancer for over a year. Despite consistent medical care, her health declined in recent months, and she ultimately breathed her last at her Mira Road residence in Mumbai.
Priya Marathe’s Last Instagram Post
In the past year, Priya had withdrawn from public life and distanced herself from social media. Her last Instagram update dates back to 2024, when she visited Amer Fort in Jaipur with her husband, actor Shantanu Moghe. The post featured cheerful touristy moments, a stark contrast to the private health battle she was fighting. One of her second-last updates was a striking picture of herself dressed in a traditional nauvari saree with a nath, reflecting her deep cultural pride.
A Celebrated Career
Born on April 23, 1987, in Mumbai, Priya Marathe grew into one of the most respected actresses in Marathi television. She became a household name with her portrayal of Varsha Satish Deshpande in Pavitra Rishta, a show that continues to be remembered as one of Indian TV’s biggest successes.
Her versatility shone in Hindi television as well, with acclaimed roles as Vidya Bali in Kasamh Se and Jyoti Malhotra in Bade Acche Lagte Hain. Under Balaji Telefilms, Priya established herself as an actress who could seamlessly balance Marathi and Hindi entertainment industries.
Beyond daily soaps, Priya also showcased her comedic flair on Comedy Circus Season 1, leaving audiences impressed with her timing and wit. Over the years, she worked in acclaimed Marathi shows such as Char Divas Sasuche, Tu Tithe Mi, Swarajyarakshak Sambhaji, Ya Sukhano Ya, and Tuzech Mi Geet Gaat Aahe. She also appeared in Hindi hits like Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Bhaage Re Mann, Jayastute, and Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap.
In 2023, Priya stepped away from Tuzech Mi Geet Gaat Aahe citing health concerns, sparking speculation about her illness. While she never made her struggle public, colleagues hinted at her resilience and quiet strength through those difficult months.
A Legacy Remembered
As tributes continue to pour in, Priya Marathe will be remembered not just for the characters she played, but also for her quiet grace, resilience, and dedication to her craft. From Pavitra Rishta to Comedy Circus, from traditional roles to contemporary dramas, she carved a space for herself in the hearts of audiences across languages.
Her passing marks an immense loss for the Marathi entertainment fraternity, but her legacy will live on in the countless performances she leaves behind.
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun…Read More
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun… Read More
Stay updated with the latest TV news updates from daily serials to reality TV shows and your favourite small screen celebrity news. Download the News18 App now.
