Marathi Cinema, the oldest film industry in India has told captivating stories on the silver screen ever since the early 20th century. While the storylines pull us into different worlds, the characters come alive through the actors’ performances. And Marathi heroines have always lit up the screens with their talent and screen presence. In this blog, we will take a look at the top actresses of the Marathi industry. So, stay tuned!
From Sai Tamhankar to Amruta Khanvilkar – Top 10 Famous Actresses of Marathi Cinema 2024
Priya Bapat:
Priya Bapat is a renowned Marathi actress and model. She made her acting debut in ‘Mee Shivajiraje Bhosle Boltoy’ and later entered Bollywood with ‘Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’ in 2000. One of her most acclaimed performances was in the 2012 film ‘Kaksparsh’, where she portrayed the complex character of Uma. She is also known for appearing in Marathi films like ‘Munnabhai MBBS’, ‘Happy Journey’, ‘Aamhi Doghi’, and the recent web series ‘City of Dreams’.
Pooja Sawant:
Pooja Sawant is another popular Marathi actress who has also made a name for herself in the industry. Pooja first acted in the 2010 Marathi film “Kshanbhar Vishranti”. Since her debut, she has starred in hit Marathi films like “Poshter Boyz”, “Dagdi Chawl”, and “Junglee”. In addition to films, Pooja gained popularity from the dance reality show “Boogie Woogie”.
Hruta Durgule:
Moving on to television, Hruta Durgule is a rising actress who started her career in 2013 with the film ‘Ananya’. She later tried her hand at directing as well as starring in shows. Over the years, Hruta has played varied roles in hit Marathi films like “Time Pass 3” and “Dada Ek Good News Aahey”, displaying her acting range. She has starred in web series like “Duet”, proving her talent as a contemporary actress. She also won accolades like the ‘Youthful Face of the Year’ award in 2016, recognizing her growing popularity.
Amruta Khanvilkar:
Amruta Khanvilkar is another renowned name known for her work in Marathi and Hindi cinema. Her breakout role was in the 2010 Marathi hit ‘Natrang’. She also made her mark in Bollywood with the blockbuster ‘Raazi’. On television, Amruta has been part of several popular shows too. Her diverse body of work highlights her versatility as a performer.
Prajakta Mali:
Moving on to Prajakta Mali, she is a popular actress and dancer known for her Marathi TV and film work. She started out in television, gaining fame for her role in “Julun Yeti Reshimgathi”. Her impressive acting opened doors into Marathi films, where she starred in hits like “Kho-Kho”, “Sangharsh”, and “Hampi”. In addition to acting, Prajakta is acclaimed for her classical dance training in Bharatanatyam.
Amruta Khanvilkar:
Amruta Khanvilkar is an Indian actress who has showcased her talent in both Marathi and Hindi cinema. Though she made her acting debut with a few television commercials, it was her first Marathi film ‘Tujhya Majhya Sansaarala’ in 2008 that marked the beginning of her film career. However, it was her portrayal of Nandini in the 2010 Marathi blockbuster ‘Natrang’ that truly established Amruta as a star performer in Marathi films. ‘Natrang’ went on to become one of the highest-grossing Marathi films and earned Amruta widespread appreciation. After captivating Marathi audiences, Amruta made her Hindi film debut with a supporting role in ‘Raazi’ starring Alia Bhatt. Apart from films, Amruta has been part of popular television shows like ‘Time Out’, ‘Comedy Circus’ and ‘Nach Baliye 7’.
Spruha Joshi:
Spruha Joshi is another multifaceted talent, working as an actress, poet, and lyricist primarily in Marathi. She began acting with the TV show “Agnihotra” however it was her portrayal of Manas in the 2017 relationship drama ‘Lost and Found’ that received praise from critics and audiences alike. She skillfully portrayed the emotional journey of her character. Spruha went on to act in films like ‘Por Bazaar’ and ‘Triple Seat’ playing author-backed roles and impressing with her acting abilities. Alongside acting, Spruha is a published poet and songwriter.
Mrunmayee Deshpande:
Mrunmayee Deshpande is another talented actress known primarily for her Marathi film work. Her breakout role was in the 2008 film “Humne Jeena Seekh Liya”. Over the years, Mrunmayee has delivered impactful performances in several noteworthy Marathi movies. Her acting range allows her to convincingly play characters across genres. Some of her most appreciated films include comedies like “Dhaam Dhoom”, hard-hitting dramas such as “Mee Sindhutai Sapkal”, and musicals including “Katyar Kaljat Ghusli”.
Sonali Kulkarni:
Moving on to Sonali Kulkarni, she is a renowned actress who works in multiple languages like Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati, and more. Sonali is appreciated for her natural acting style and ability to play varied roles. Sonali began her acting career in Marathi television before foraying into Marathi, Hindi, and other film industries. Her natural acting style, expressive eyes, and ability to portray complexity have made her performances memorable. Sonali earned widespread fame in 2001 for her role as Pooja in the Hindi blockbuster “Dil Chahta Hai”. Her nuanced and mature performance stood out in the youthful romantic film. In Marathi films, she is best recognized for “Deool”, which garnered the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.
Sai Tamhankar:
And, finally we’ve Sai Tamhankar, a versatile Indian actress who has showcased her talent in Marathi, Hindi, and South Indian films. Though she started off with small television roles in shows like “Sathi Re” and “Kasturi”, she soon transitioned to movies and found success. Some of Sai’s most noteworthy films are in Marathi cinema. Her performance as the lively and bubbly Shirin in the 2013 blockbuster “Duniyadari” became widely popular. She perfectly depicted the various shades of her character – from comic timing to emotional depth. This role established her as a star actress in Marathi films. Apart from that, she has worked in Hindi films like “Hunterr” and “Love Sonia”, where her natural acting and screen presence were appreciated. In addition, she has worked in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam movies, expanding her beyond Marathi and Hindi, making her one of the top actresses in the Marathi film industry.