Marathi actors who created a niche for themselves in Bollywood films

Hindi and Marathi theatre has nurtured some of the most versatile actors. While there are multiple Hindi film actors who’ve acted in Marathi films, here are some of the finest Hindi film actors whose origins can be traced from Marathi theatre. These actors have played pivotal roles in commercially hit films and maintain a huge fan base.

Madhuri Dixit

First on the list is the sensational actor widely known as Bollywood’s Mohini. Madhuri Dixit gained acclaim from day one when she stepped into the industry with her debut film Abodh. The actor later reached the pinnacle of her career in Bollywood with blockbuster films like Ram Lakhan, Parinda, Tridev, Saajan and Raja. The actor was seen acting in her mother-tongue in the Marathi drama Bucket List which was a massive success.

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Riteish Deshmukh

Known for his comical roles across the industry, Riteish Deshmukh made his acting debut in Bollywood in 2003 with the film Tujhe Meri Kasam. The actor then went on to doing 13 blockbuster films back to back including some highest-grossing films like Housefull and thriller film Ek Villian where he played a non-funny character and took his audience by surprise by proving his versatility. The actor made his acting debut in Marathi cinema with the action film Lai Bhari.

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Smita Patil

One of the leading actors in parallel cinema, Smita Patil wasn’t just a Bollywood entertainer and influencer but a renowned activist. The personality endorsed films which reflected the reality of womanhood as intellectual beings with equal right and didn’t objectify them as mere sexual creatures. Smita Patil rose to fame after acting in films like Manthan, Bhumika and Mirch Masala. Her Marathi debut film was Samna. Sarvasakshi was another of her notable work in the Marathi industry.

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Urmila Matondkar

One of the most popular actors of her time, Urmila Matondkar made her acting debut as a kid in the Marathi film Zaakol in 1980. Ten years later, the actor did her first Hindi film Narsimha. After a long interval of time, the actor was back on the big screen with the romantic drama film Aa gale lag jaa which was commercially successful. The actor is well-known in both industries.

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Nana Patekar

Best known for his role in Agni Sakshi, Nana Patekar is a Marathi and Hindi actor who has been a recipient of multiple glorious awards like National Film Award and Filmfare award. The actor made his debut in the industry with the film Gaman. Nana Patekar gained immense acclaim in the Marathi film industry with the film Natsamrat and was awarded the best actor award for the same. Sonali Bendre and Atul Kulkarni are also some names of the finest actors who’ve worked in both, Hindi and Marathi Film Industry