Popular Marathi television and theatre actress Priya Marathe, known for her powerful performances across Marathi and Hindi serials, passed away early Sunday at the age of 38 after a long battle with cancer. A resident of Kanakia’s Dev Paradise Society in Mira Road, she was also deeply involved in social initiatives, serving as the Swachhata Brand Ambassador of the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC). Despite her illness, she remained committed to civic causes, actively participating in Earth Day, Vasundhara Day, and coastal cleanup campaigns alongside municipal teams.

MBMC Commissioner Radhabinod Sharma paid tribute, stating: “She was not just an actress but a symbol of civic responsibility. Her contribution to our cleanliness campaigns, which earned us state awards, will never be forgotten.”

Born on April 23, 1987, in Thane, Marathe discovered her passion for acting through college theatre competitions. She made her television debut in 2005 with Ya Sukhanno Ya and rose to prominence with shows like Char Divas Sasuche, Tu Tithe Me, and Tujhech Mi Geet Gaat Aahe. She gained wider recognition in Hindi television through Kasamh Se, later playing memorable roles in Pavitra Rishta (Varsha), Bade Achhe Lagte Hain (Jyoti Malhotra), and Saath Nibhaana Saathiya (Bhavni Rathod). Her portrayal of Godavari in Swarajyarakshak Sambhaji also won acclaim.

On stage, she impressed audiences with plays such as Kon Mhantat Takka Dila and A Perfect Murder. Her role as the antagonist ‘Monica Kamat’ in Tujhech Mi Geet Gaat Aahe became highly popular, though she later stepped away due to illness.

In 2012, she married actor Shantanu Moghe, with whom she also co-managed a café business.

Her funeral was held Sunday evening at Mira Road crematorium, where family, friends, and colleagues bid her a tearful farewell. Remembering her commitment, activist Harshad Dhage said, “Even while battling cancer, she worked for cleanliness and environmental causes. Her legacy will continue to inspire.”