Priya Bapat (born 18 September 1986) is an Indian actress who works in Marathi and Hindi films, television, theatre and web series.[2] Known for her versatility across genres, she has received several accolades including two Maharashtra State Film Awards and a Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar, in addition to multiple nominations at Filmfare Marathi and other ceremonies.[3][4]
Bapat began her career as a child artist with television dramas and the films such as Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000) and Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003), before gaining prominence with the Marathi blockbuster Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy! (2009). 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.[5]
Early life
Priya Bapat was born on 18 September 1986 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Sharad and Smita Bapat.[6] She was raised in Dadar, where she spent her childhood in a chawl on Ranade Road.[7][8] She has an elder sister, Shweta Bapat, a costume designer and co-founder of their clothing venture Sawenchi.
Bapat studied at Balmohan Vidyamandir, where she developed a keen interest in the performing arts and regularly participated in plays, dramas, and talent competitions.[9][10] 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.[11] 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.[12]
Career
Child artist and early recognition (2000–2010)
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.[13][14] 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 alongside Mammootty; this role gave her early recognition.[15][16]
Breakthrough and acclaimed performances (2011–2018)
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.[30] The story of a newlywed couple’s emotional journey resonated with audiences, and critics admired the duo’s chemistry.[31] Ambarish Ganesh of Indian Nerve wrote that “Bapat as the childlike Amruta steals hearts”.[32]
A turning point came with her performance as Uma, a young widow, in Mahesh Manjrekar’s Kaksparsh (2012).[33][34] Set in the 1930s Konkan and based on Usha Datar’s short story, the film explored a Chitpavan Brahmin family’s turbulent fate.[35] 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 filmof the year.[36] It is now regarded as a milestone in Marathi cinema.[37] 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,"[38] while critic Keyur Seta called her performance “terrific”, adding, "The scenes where she depicts pain and tragedy prove her talent."[39] 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.[40][41]
Her 2013 releases included the comedy Aandhali Koshimbir, where critics remarked that she served mostly as the glamour quotient,[42][43] and Time Please, Sameer Vidwans’ film adaptation of Nava Gadi Nava Rajya, again with Kamat, Siddharth Jadhav and Sai Tamhankar.[44][45] 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."[46]The role brought her another nomination at Maharashtracha Favourite Kon.[47] 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.[48][49] The film grossed ₹4 crore and won her a second Maharashtra State Film Award.[50] 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."[51]
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.[56][57] Bapat not only acted but also lent her voice to two songs.[58] The film’s subject gave it wide attention, including screenings across India and the United States[59] 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,"[60] However, Maharashtra Times critic Rituja Joshi argued that the characters did not appear as overweight as the title suggested.[61] The film earned her a Filmfare Marathi nomination despite only moderate box-office results.[62][63]
She next collaborated with Gajendra Ahire in the festival-acclaimed Pimpal, opposite Dilip Prabhavalkar, playing a compassionate doctor.[64][65] The film won honours at the Kolhapur International Film Festival, Pune International Film Festival and Bengaluru International Film Festival.[66] She followed it with Gachchi, a situational comedy.[67] Ullas Shirke wrote, "Bapat has played the lead role of Keerti very convincingly to display her disturbed state of mind."[68] and which earned her another Filmfare nomination.[69] 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.[70][71] Starring alongside Mukta Barve, she received acclaim,[72] 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.”[73][74] The film was also screened at International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2018 under Indian Panorama.[75]
Digital success and recent work (2019–Present)
Her digital debut came as Poornima Gaikwad, an sharp politician in the political drama City of Dreams (2019), directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. [76][77] 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."[78] City of Dreams spawned two more seasons and brought Priya multiple awards.[79][80]
Back in Hindi films, she acted in 2022 comedy drama Chakki, playing the fiancée of an ordinary man battling corruption.[81] 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."[82] Later, she reunited with Umesh Kamat for the web series Aani Kay Hava (2019), a light-hearted take on married life’s “firsts”[83][84] and the play Jar Tar Chi Goshta, which marked her return to theatre after a decade.[85][86] 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."[87][88] At the Zee Natya Gaurav Awards, she earned a Best Actress nomination and, with Kamat, the Best Couple award.[89] Around the same period, she was also seen as a lawyer in the legal drama Rafuchakkar, where her role was described as "impressive".[90]
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.[91] 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."[92][93] She also starred in two series that year, Zindaginama and Raat Jawaan Hai.[94]
Her next Hindi OTT release was Costao, a 2025 biographical crime drama based on Goa customs officer Costao Fernandes.[95] 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."[96][97] She played a cop in the supernatural horror series Andhera, which received mixed response.[98] After a seven-year hiatus, Bapat returned to Marathi film with Bin Lagnachi Goshta, a comedy-drama revolving around live-in relationships and pregnancy, co-starring Girish Oak, Nivedita Joshi and Umesh Kamat.[99]
Personal life
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.[100][101] After dating for nearly eight years, Bapat married Kamat on 5 October 2011 in a traditional Marathi wedding ceremony.[102][103]
Their personal life has frequently drawn media attention, particularly regarding their decision not to have children.[104] Addressing societal expectations, Bapat has questioned the notion that life is considered complete only through "marital bliss" and parenthood.[105] She has emphasized that "having a child is entirely a personal decision" to be made by her, her husband, and their family.[106][107]
↑ Design: Newsmax Multimedia Private Limited (www.nmpl.biz) / Modified: Sagar M. Pardeshi. "Kaksparshthefilm | Awards". www.kaksparshthefilm.com. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
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