Priya Bapat

Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000) and Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003), before gaining prominence with the Marathi blockbuster Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy! Bapat established herself with acclaimed performances in the period drama Kaksparsh (2012), the drama Happy Journey (2014), the slice of life Vazandar (2016), the phycological drama Pimpal (2017), and the feminist drama Aamhi Doghi (2018). Beyond films, Bapat has been active in theatre with plays like Nava Gadi Nava Rajya and Jar Tar Chi Goshta, and has found success in digital media her portrayal of Poornima Gaikwad in City of Dreams (2019–2023), which won her several awards and emerged as a defining role. She has also appeared in Hindi films including Chakki (2022), Visfot (2024) and Costao (2025). In addition to acting, Bapat has engaged in entrepreneurial ventures, co-founding a clothing label with her sister. She married actor Umesh Kamat in 2011, with whom she frequently collaborates on stage and screen.

• Name — Priya Bapat • Born — 18 September 1986 • Education — Ramnarain Ruia College Sophia Polytechnic • Occupation — * Actress • Birthplace — Mumbai, Maharashtra, India • Years Active — 2000–present

Priya Bapat was born on 18 September 1986 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Sharad and Smita Bapat. She was raised in Dadar, where she spent her childhood in a chawl on Ranade Road. Bapat studied at Balmohan Vidyamandir, where she developed a keen interest in the performing arts and regularly participated in plays, dramas, and talent competitions. She received training in classical music under Shubhada Dadarkar for two years, with a focus on devotional songs and later trained under vocalist Uttara Kelkar, though she eventually discontinued due to vocal cord issues. After finishing school, Bapat pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and subsequently earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Ramnarain Ruia College, Matunga. During her time in college, she also completed a short course in filmmaking.

Priya Bapat stepped into acting as a child artist, appearing in the acclaimed Marathi television shows Damini (2000), Bandini (2000), De Dhamal (2001), and in the theatre production Vatevaratee Kaachaa Ga. Her film debut came the same year with Jabbar Patel’s National Award-winning biographical drama Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000), where she played young Ramabai Ambedkar. She next featured as a child actor in Chandrakant Kulkarni’s Bhet (2002). Bapat later grabbed attention in Bollywood through brief but notable appearances in Rajkumar Hirani’s Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003) and its sequel Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), both starring Sanjay Dutt. Recalling her audition, she once said, "I went to Hirani's office. I auditioned and I got the part. It was that simple." Between 2004 and 2006, she made a mark on television with Adhuri Ek Kahani, playing a spirited role opposite established actors like Swapnil Joshi, Kishori Godbole and Neena Kulkarni. Her energy on screen was widely appreciated. Her transition into lead roles began in 2009 with Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy!, a story highlighting an underdog’s struggle against social ills. Playing an aspiring actress struggling against stereotypes about Marathi women, she starred opposite Sachin Khedekar, Suchitra Bandekar and Mahesh Manjrekar. The film struck huge at the box office, collecting ₹25 crore worldwide to emerge as the highest grossing Marathi film of that time. For this, she earned a V. Shantaram Annual Film Award nomination for Best Debut Artiste in a Leading Role. In 2010, she appeared in Zee Marathi’s Shubham Karoti, which explored the complexities of a joint family, She simultaneously took on roles in films such as Anandi Anand and Aika Dajiba alongside veterans like Vikram Gokhale, Ashok Saraf, Suhas Joshi, Mohan Joshi and Vandana Gupte.

Bapat transitioned back to theatre, starring opposite Umesh Kamat in Nava Gadi Nava Rajya in the 2011, a stage play later adapted into Gujarati and Konkani. The story of a newlywed couple’s emotional journey resonated with audiences, and critics admired the duo’s chemistry. Ambarish Ganesh of Indian Nerve wrote that “Bapat as the childlike Amruta steals hearts”. A turning point came with her performance as Uma, a young widow, in Mahesh Manjrekar’s Kaksparsh (2012). Set in the 1930s Konkan and based on Usha Datar’s short story, the film explored a Chitpavan Brahmin family’s turbulent fate. The film won widespread acclaim and ran for over 100 days in theatres, collecting ₹14 crore at the box office. making it the top-grossing Marathi film of the year. It is now regarded as a milestone in Marathi cinema. Critics praised her portrayal, with The Times of India noting, "Priya Bapat who played ‘Older Uma’ has more responsibility on her shoulder but she has fulfilled the challenge with her great acting skills," while critic Keyur Seta called her performance “terrific”, adding, "The scenes where she depicts pain and tragedy prove her talent." The role won her the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actress and the Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar for Best Actress, besides a nomination at the MFK Award for Favourite Actress. Her 2013 releases included the comedy Aandhali Koshimbir, where critics remarked that she served mostly as the glamour quotient, and Time Please, Sameer Vidwans’ film adaptation of Nava Gadi Nava Rajya, again with Kamat, Siddharth Jadhav and Sai Tamhankar. Critics commented on her dynamic character arc, with Aparna Phadke noting, "She brings about the contrast... When she has to crack emotionally she does so with sadness that reflects in her eyes." The role brought her another nomination at Maharashtracha Favourite Kon. She followed it with Sachin Kundalkar’s drama Happy Journey (2014), co-starring Atul Kulkarni, where she played a ghost reconnecting with her estranged brother. The film grossed ₹4 crore and won her a second Maharashtra State Film Award. For her portrayal, Keyur Seta called her a “scene-stealer”, remarking, "You just can’t stop adoring her due to the manner in which she gets her act right." In 2015, she featured in Ravi Jadhav’s romantic Timepass 2, opposite Priyadarshan Jadhav, playing the grown-up Prajakta Lele (Praju), the sequel to the 2014 film of the same name. While the film drew mixed reviews, it collected ₹31 crore and ended up the third highest-grossing Marathi film of the year. She also appeared in Lokmanya: Ek Yugpurush the same year, another box-office success. The following year, she reunited with Sai Tamhankar and Sachin Kundalkar for comedy Vazandar (2016), where both actors gained weight to portray two friends struggling with body image. Bapat not only acted but also lent her voice to two songs. The film’s subject gave it wide attention, including screenings across India and the United States Critics praised her dedication, Mihir Bhanage of The Times of India noted, "Sai and Priya’s physical transformation shows their dedication to the job and their performances speak a thousand words," However, Maharashtra Times critic Rituja Joshi argued that the characters did not appear as overweight as the title suggested. The film earned her a Filmfare Marathi nomination despite only moderate box-office results. She next collaborated with Gajendra Ahire in the festival-acclaimed Pimpal, opposite Dilip Prabhavalkar, playing a compassionate doctor. The film won honours at the Kolhapur International Film Festival, Pune International Film Festival and Bengaluru International Film Festival. She followed it with Gachchi, a situational comedy. Ullas Shirke wrote, "Bapat has played the lead role of Keerti very convincingly to display her disturbed state of mind." and which earned her another Filmfare nomination. In Pratima Joshi’s family drama Aamhi Doghi (2018), adapted from Gauri Deshpande’s short story Paus Ala Motha, Bapat portrayed a rebellious young woman scarred by emotional neglect. Starring alongside Mukta Barve, she received acclaim, with Film Companion’s Sumedh Natu calling it "arguably her best performance till date,” though questioning Joshi’s choice to cast her as a schoolgirl: “She doesn’t look sixteen.” The film was also screened at International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2018 under Indian Panorama.

Her digital debut came as Poornima Gaikwad, an sharp politician in the political drama City of Dreams (2019), directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. Though the show divided critics, Bapat’s performance stood out, with Rohit Bhatnagar of The Free Press Journal writing, "Bapat steals the show. She very well emotes her depression, breakdowns and return to her political podium as CM." City of Dreams spawned two more seasons and brought Priya multiple awards. Back in Hindi films, she acted in 2022 comedy drama Chakki, playing the fiancée of an ordinary man battling corruption. While the film failed commercially, critics appreciated her presence. Sameer Ahire of Movie Talkies wrote, "Bapat looks gorgeous as his girlfriend, and she also has a couple of scenes to show her acting talent." Later, she reunited with Umesh Kamat for the web series Aani Kay Hava (2019), a light-hearted take on married life’s “firsts” and the play Jar Tar Chi Goshta, which marked her return to theatre after a decade. The play completed over 100 shows, and Mumbai Theatre Guide noted, "Her character brings most of the emotion to the storyline," adding, "She sings a beautiful song and for a moment, you can feel the breeze blowing through Bapat's long silky hair." At the Zee Natya Gaurav Awards, she earned a Best Actress nomination and, with Kamat, the Best Couple award. Around the same period, she was also seen as a lawyer in the legal drama Rafuchakkar, where her role was described as "impressive". 2024 expanded her Hindi film repertoire with Visfot, a crime thriller where she depicted the role of a pilot’s wife (played by Riteish Deshmukh) entangled in an affair. Released on JioCinema, the film was received positively. Devesh Sharma of Filmfare wrote, "Bapat's portrayal of Tara effectively conveys the tragedy of a conflicted relationship... Priya brings all these layers into her performance with aplomb." She also starred in two series that year, Zindaginama and Raat Jawaan Hai. Her next Hindi OTT release was Costao, a 2025 biographical crime drama based on Goa customs officer Costao Fernandes. Playing his wife Maria opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bapat earned praise from The Indian Express Shubhra Gupta wrote, "Bapat, playing Costao’s wife Maria, comes up with a full-blooded performance, keeping in step with Siddiqui." She played a cop in the supernatural horror series Andhera, which received mixed response. After a seven-year hiatus, Bapat returned to Marathi cinema with Bin Lagnachi Goshta, a comedy-drama centered on live-in relationships and an unexpected pregnancy, where she starred alongside Girish Oak, Nivedita Joshi and Umesh Kamat. She also appeared in the mystery thriller Asambhav, that earned her the MaTa Sanman Award for Best Supporting Actress.

She has an elder sister, Shweta Bapat, a costume designer. Bapat first met actor Umesh Kamat while she was in the 10th grade, at the premiere of Bhet (2002), but it was on the last day of shooting for the Marathi television series Aabhalmaya that the two exchanged numbers, which initiated their relationship. After dating for nearly eight years, Bapat married Kamat on 5 October 2011 in a traditional Marathi wedding ceremony. Their personal life has frequently drawn media attention, particularly regarding their decision not to have children. Addressing societal expectations, Bapat has questioned the notion that life is considered complete only through "marital bliss" and parenthood. She has emphasized that "having a child is entirely a personal decision" to be made by her, her husband, and their family.

In 2019, Bapat co-founded the saree label Sawenchi with her sister Shweta, a fashion designer. Bapat is the brand ambassador for Fastest Health, India’s first on-demand quick service diagnostics platform. She has also been part of campaigns for Ching’s and P. N. Gadgil Jewellers. On the occasion of Gudi Padwa 2026, she endorsed the launch of Tanishq’s Dor mangalsutra collection.

• Year — Title — Role — Language — Notes — Reference • 2000 — Vatevaratee Kaachaa Ga — Marathi / Hindi • 2011 — Nava Gadi Nava Rajya — Amruta — Marathi • 2023 — Jar Tar Chi Goshta — Radha — Marathi — Also presented and playback singer • 2026 — Aamchya Pidhichi Goshtach Vegali — Marathi — Presented

• Year — Title — Role — Language — Channel — Notes • 2000 — Damini — Marathi — ETV Marathi — Child artist • Bandini — Mi Marathi • 2001 — De Dhamal — Rituja — Alpha TV Marathi • Kids World — Anchor • 2002 — Aabhalmaya • Alpha Features — Anchor • 2004–2006 — Adhuri Ek Kahani — Arpita Deodhar — Zee Marathi • 2007 — Specials @ 10 — Anjali — Hindi — Sony TV — Segment: "Har Kadam Par Shaque" • 2009 — Vicky Ki Taxi — Real Channel — Episodic role • Good Morning Maharashtra — Anchor — Marathi — Zee Marathi • 2010 — Shubham Karoti — Kimaya • 2011 — Sa Re Ga Ma Pa — Anchor — Season 7 • Dadasaheb Phalke — ETV Marathi — Documentary • 2014 — Aamhi Travelkar — Anchor — Zee Marathi

• Year — Title — Roles — Language — Network — Notes — Reference • 2019–present — City of Dreams — Poornima Gaikwad — Hindi — Hotstar • 2019–present — Aani Kay Hava — Jui — Marathi — MX Player • 2023 — Rafuchakkar — Ritu Bhandari — Hindi — JioCinema • 2024 — Zindaginama — Vaidehi — SonyLIV — Segment: "Banwar" • Raat Jawaan Hai — Suman • 2025 — Andhera — Inspector Kalpana Kadam — Prime Video • 2026 — Hey Kay Navin? — Rama — Marathi — ZEE5

• Year — Awards — Category — Work — Result • 2009 — V. Shantaram Annual Film Award — Best Debut Artiste in a Leading Role — Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy! • 2010 — Maharashtracha Favourite Kon — Popular Face of the Year • 2012 — Zee Chitra Gaurav Awards — Best Actress — Kaksparsh • Screen Awards Marathi — Best Actress • Maharashtra State Film Awards — Best Actress • Maharashtracha Favourite Kon — Favourite Actress • 2013 — Time Please • 2014 — Filmfare Awards Marathi — Best Actress — Happy Journey • 2014 — Maharashtra State Film Awards — Best Actress • 2015 — Zee Chitra Gaurav Awards — Best Actress • 2015 — Zee Talkies Comedy Awards — Best Actress — Aandhali Koshimbir • 2015 — Maharashtracha Favourite Kon — Popular Face of the Year • Favourite Actress — Happy Journey • Timepass 2 • 2016 — Zee Chitra Gaurav Awards — Best Actress • 2016 — Filmfare Awards Marathi — Best Actress — Vazandar • 2017 — Gachchi • 2018 — Zee Chitra Gaurav Awards — Best Actress • 2019 — Zee Chitra Gaurav Awards — Best Actress — Aamhi Doghi • 2020 — e4m Play Streaming Media Awards — Best Actress in a Leading Role — City of Dreams • 2021 — Maharashtracha Favourite Kon — Popular Face of the Year • 2023 — The Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) — Best Female Actor in a Web Series — City of Dreams 3 • 2024 — Zee Natya Gaurav Awards — Best Actress — Jar Tar Chi Goshta • Best Anuroop Jodi • 2024 — International Iconic Awards Marathi — Best Actress (Theatre) • 2025 — Critics’ Choice Awards — Best Supporting Actress (Web Series) — Raat Jawaan Hai • 2025 — e4m Play Streaming Media Awards — Best Actor in a Comic Role (Female) Web series • 2026 — Maharashtra Times Sanman — Best Supporting Actress — Asambhav • 2026 — City Cine Awards Marathi — Best Supporting Actor – Female