Overview
Priya Marathe, celebrated for portraying Varsha in Pavitra Rishta, passed away at 38 after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving the television fraternity and fans in deep shock on August 31, 2025, in Mumbai. She reportedly breathed her last around 4 am at her Mira Road residence and is survived by her husband, actor Shantanu Moghe, with colleagues remembering her as a resilient and warm performer.
Priya Marathe death: what happened
Reports indicate that Priya had been battling cancer for over two years, experiencing a relapse after initial recovery while continuing work in Marathi television; her body eventually stopped responding to treatment. While media widely confirmed cancer as the cause, the exact type has not been officially disclosed in public sources as of this writing, underscoring the private nature of her health journey. Tributes from co-stars and cousin Subodh Bhave described her as a “fighter,” highlighting professionalism and grace through treatment and relapse.
Biography and early life
Born on April 23, 1987, in Mumbai, Priya Marathe built a two-decade career across Marathi and Hindi television, admired for range and authenticity on screen. She began with Marathi serials, including Ya Sukhano Ya and Char Divas Sasuche, before transitioning to mainstream Hindi shows, setting the stage for enduring popularity. Her Mumbai upbringing and theatre-grounded sensibilities informed a career marked by discipline and audience rapport across formats—daily soaps, stand-up segments, and episodic dramas.
Family and personal life
Priya married actor Shantanu Moghe on April 24, 2012, after a close friendship blossomed into partnership; Moghe is known for Swarajyarakshak Sambhaji, Ravrambha, and Enigma – The Fallen Angel. The couple maintained a low public profile, sharing glimpses of travel and companionship on social media, with colleagues praising their support for each other during health challenges. Public reports consistently list her husband among immediate survivors and do not mention children, a detail also echoed in media reflections and tributes.
Age and key dates
Priya Marathe was 38 at the time of her passing, with her death reported on August 31, 2025, in Mumbai after prolonged cancer care. She is widely recognized for a career active through the 2000s and 2010s, with credits that continued into recent Marathi television prior to her illness relapse.
Career highlights and achievements
- Pavitra Rishta (Zee TV): Priya’s portrayal of Varsha Satish remains a defining performance that earned national recognition and lasting audience connection.
- Kasamh Se (Balaji Telefilms): As Vidya Bali, she made an early mark in Hindi TV, demonstrating a strong dramatic register.
- Comedy Circus (Season 1): Her participation showcased comic timing and live performance skills beyond daily soaps.
- Bade Achhe Lagte Hain: A brief but notable stint as Jyoti Malhotra added to her mainstream visibility.
- Saath Nibhaana Saathiya: Portrayed Bhavani Rathod, underlining her flair for negative and layered roles.
- Marathi serials: Early milestones include Ya Sukhano Ya and Char Divas Sasuche, followed by Tu Tithe Me and other Star Pravah-centered projects.
- Films and specials: Credits include Humne Jeena Seekh Liya and Marathi features, with steady episodic appearances in Uttaran, Savdhaan India, Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap, and Bhaage Re Mann.
Major works at a glance
- Pavitra Rishta: Varsha Satish—breakthrough performance with pan-Indian appeal and repeated re-telecasts maintaining fan memory.
- Kasamh Se and Bade Achhe Lagte Hain: Expanded Hindi TV footprint, affirming versatility across networks and genres.
- Saath Nibhaana Saathiya and Uttaran: Strengthened mid-2010s screen presence with roles that balanced intensity and reach.
- Marathi TV arc: From Ya Sukhano Ya to later Star Pravah projects, she maintained a loyal Marathi audience base alongside national work.
Battling cancer: resilience and relapse
Accounts from colleagues and family note Priya’s return to sets after initial treatment, before a relapse occurred during filming for a Marathi series, reflecting her determination to continue working. Industry tributes consistently describe her as courageous, kind, and focused, with Subodh Bhave’s remembrance capturing both personal affection and professional admiration. While specifics of the cancer type remain undisclosed publicly, the collective remembrance centers on her dignity and resolve through prolonged care.
Legacy
Priya Marathe’s legacy rests on three pillars: versatility across Marathi and Hindi mediums, an ability to embody relatable family characters, and a courageous personal story that inspired colleagues and audiences alike. For many viewers, Varsha from Pavitra Rishta became synonymous with Priya’s warmth and craft, ensuring her performances endure beyond the screen. In tributes and retrospectives, she is remembered as a consummate professional and a gentle presence whose impact far exceeded screen time.
Quick facts
- Profession: Actor and stand-up performer; Active across Marathi and Hindi television with select film roles.
- Spouse: Shantanu Moghe; Marriage date: April 24, 2012; Known for historical and contemporary Marathi roles.
- Passing: August 31, 2025; Age: 38; Cause: Cancer after a prolonged fight and relapse.