Pavitra Rishta Actress Priya Marathe Passes Away at 38 After Battling Cancer
The television and Marathi entertainment industry is in mourning after the untimely demise of popular actress Priya Marathe. Best known for her role as Varsha in the hit TV serial Pavitra Rishta, Priya passed away at the age of 38 after a prolonged battle with cancer. She breathed her last at her residence in Mira Road, Mumbai, in the early hours of August 31, 2025.
A Brave Fight Against Cancer
Reports confirm that Priya Marathe had been undergoing treatment for cancer for the past few years. Despite her health struggles, she continued working in television until recently. According to family sources, her condition deteriorated in the last few months, and she passed away around 4 am on Sunday morning.
Her cousin and noted Marathi actor Subodh Bhave confirmed the heartbreaking news. He described Priya as a “fighter” who showed immense courage in facing the disease. Her demise comes as yet another tragic loss to the television world, which had earlier lost Sushant Singh Rajput, another Pavitra Rishta star, in 2020.
A Celebrated Career in Television
Priya Marathe was born on April 23, 1987. She started her acting career in Marathi television in the mid-2000s and soon became a household name. Some of her most memorable performances include:
- Marathi Serials: Char Divas Sasuche, Tu Tithe Me, and Ya Sukhano Ya
- Hindi TV Shows: Kasamh Se, Comedy Circus, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
- Pavitra Rishta (2009–2011): Her role as Varsha, Archana’s sister, made her a well-recognized face across India. The character’s emotional depth and complex storyline showcased her versatility as an actress.
In addition to her television work, Priya also appeared in Marathi films and stage plays, proving her mettle as a multi-talented performer. Most recently, she played a negative role as Monika in the Marathi show Tuzech Mi Geet Gaat Aahe (2022–2023).
Personal Life
Priya married actor Shantanu Moghe in 2012. The couple shared a strong bond and often posted pictures together on social media. Her last Instagram activity, posted in August 2024, showed her smiling with her husband during a trip to Jaipur. Fans are now revisiting that post with heavy hearts, leaving condolence messages.
Heartfelt Tributes from the Industry
Several colleagues and co-stars have expressed grief over her demise.
- Subodh Bhave, her cousin, said: “She was more like a sister to me. She fought bravely against cancer, but fate had other plans. I pray she finds peace wherever she is.”
- Usha Nadkarni, her Pavitra Rishta co-star, shared an emotional note: “Priya was too young to go. Even after surgery and treatments, she kept working with a smile. First, we lost Sushant, and now Priya… this is an unbearable loss.”
- Anurag Sharma, another co-actor from Pavitra Rishta, remembered her warmth: “Priya was not just a brilliant actress but also a wonderful human being. Her laughter will stay with us forever.”
Fans too have flooded social media with tributes, recalling her iconic roles and the impact she left on audiences.
Remembering Her Legacy
Priya Marathe’s career reflected both versatility and resilience. From emotional family dramas to light-hearted comedy and negative roles, she excelled in every genre. Her portrayal of Varsha in Pavitra Rishta remains etched in the memories of television audiences.
Beyond acting, she was admired for her cheerful nature and strong willpower. Despite fighting a life-threatening illness, she continued to pursue her passion, leaving behind a legacy of courage and dedication.
Her demise serves as a painful reminder of the unpredictability of life and the cruel reality of cancer. Yet, her work and memories will continue to inspire generations of actors and fans.
Final Goodbye
The last rites of Priya Marathe are expected to be performed in Mumbai later today, with family, friends, and industry colleagues gathering to pay their respects.
The television world has truly lost a gem—an actress who lived her life with passion, grace, and strength. Priya Marathe may have left the stage too early, but her performances will live on in the hearts of millions.
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