Bollywood actors turning to Marathi cinema

In the age of instant access to content and ease of producing content, regional cinema has grown by leaps and bounds. Going by the latest trend, Marathi cinema has reached the peak of popularity due to its content and this has turned many Bollywood heads around. Let’s have a look at some Bollywood actors who stepped into Marathi cinema.

'Dhak Dhak’ girl Madhuri Dixit-Nene has emerged as one of the most successful and beloved actresses of her generation ever since she made her debut in ‘Abodh’, when she was merely 18 years old. Over the past twenty-five odd years, she has riveted audiences in countless movies, the last being ‘Gulaab Gang’ where she stole everyone’s hearts with her powerful performance. Earlier this year, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Madhuri tweeted about her first Marathi film 'Bucket List' and shared the first look of the film which is going to release later this summer.

Actor, writer, philanthropist, and filmmaker Nana Patekar has been winning hearts over the years with his vivacious performances in Bollywood films like 'Parinda', 'Angaar', 'Krantiveer', 'Apaharan'. The veteran actor also received the Filmfare Marathi Award for Best Actor (Male) for his incredible performance in 'Natasamrat'. Nana is all set to rule the screen with Ajay Devgan's next Marathi film 'Apla Manus'.

Riteish Deshmukh, who made his debut with 'Tujhe Meri Kasam' has gained popularity with his vivid performances in many films like, 'Masti', 'Housefull', 'Ek Villain' and many more, has also made his debut as a producer in Marathi cinema with 'Balak Palak'. Riteish later made his acting debut in Marathi cinema with 'Lai Bhaari' which was a great success commercially.

Sharad Kelkar started his career as a gym instructor followed by modeling and later making the move to television. Sharad later acted in Hindi films as well, and soon after made his Marathi debut with ‘Chinu’, where he played the male protagonist and also won hearts with his splendid performance in 'Lai Bhaari' as Sangram and his recently released 'Rakshas'.

One of the country’s biggest superstars, Salman Khan has dabbled in acting, production, singing and even as a television personality. In a film career spanning almost thirty years through his numerous hits, Salman has gathered millions of fans worldwide. Sallu couldn’t stay away from Marathi cinema either as he made his first guest appearance in 'Lai Bhaari', followed by singing a song in Mahesh Manjrekar’s ‘FU – Fun Unlimited’. Mahesh had also revealed that Salman is keen to make his proper acting debut in Marathi cinema soon.

Priyanka Chopra is quite an international star now, with her scorching the earth with her fiery hot music singles, hit TV show and now Hollywood ventures, she even recorded a promotional song for Marathi film ‘Ventilator’ in 2016. She was also the producer of the multiple award-winning ‘Ventilator’.

Known for her performances in Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam films, Vidya Balan has garnered widespread praise through the years. Vidya is known for the array of roles she plays and is also gaining fans with admirers of Marathi cinema, as she made a special appearance in 'Ek Albela' as Geeta Bali. Although she appeared in a cameo role in the Marathi film by Shekhar Sartandal, fans can’t wait to see more of her.

Sonali Kulkarni made her debut in Kannada film 'Cheluvi'. She has appeared in many films, including an Italian film titled 'Fuoco Su di Me' and immortalized with her turn in Hindi film ‘Dil Chahta Hai’. She is one of the most celebrated actresses in Marathi industry for her wide contribution in films like 'Mukta', 'Gulmohar', 'Tya Ratri Paus Hota', 'Ringa Ringa', 'Gulabjaam' and many more.