Ankita Lokhande pens heartfelt note for Pavitra Rishta costar Priya Marathe: 'Held me through..'

The Indian television industry is mourning the loss of actress Priya Marathe, who passed away on August 31, 2025, after a prolonged battle with cancer. Best remembered for her role as Varsha in the popular daily soap Pavitra Rishta, Priya was 38 years old. Her passing has left co-stars, friends, and fans heartbroken, with many taking to social media to express their grief and share fond memories.

Among those paying tribute is Ankita Lokhande, Priya’s co-actor and close friend from Pavitra Rishta. The actress took to Instagram to share a heartfelt note, along with a few unseen photos from their time together. Her words captured not only the depth of their friendship but also the lasting impact Priya had on those around her.

Ankita wrote: Priya was my first friend from Pavitra Rishta. Me, Prarthana and Priya.. our little gang… it always felt so wholesome when we were together. Priya, Prats and I lovingly called each other wedee in Marathi, and that bond was truly special.. She was there in my good days and held me through my sad days… never once missing to show up when I needed her. She never missed attending the Gauri Maha Aarti during Ganpati Bappa, and this year, I’ll pray for your soul there, my wedee… while missing you dearly. Priya was the strongest she fought every battle with so much courage. Aaj ti nahiye amchya sobat, and it breaks my heart to even write this. Losing her is a reminder that we really never know the battles someone is fighting behind their smile.. So, be kind… always 🙏🏻 Priya, my dear wedee, you will always live in my heart and in my memories. Thank you for every laugh, every tear, every moment. Until we meet again… Om Shanti"

Priya was my first friend from Pavitra Rishta. Me, Prarthana and Priya.. our little gang… it always felt so wholesome when we were together. Priya, Prats and I lovingly called each other wedee in Marathi, and that bond was truly special.. She was there in my good days and held me through my sad days… never once missing to show up when I needed her.

- Ankita Lokhande

The message struck a chord with fans and fellow actors, many of whom recalled seeing the trio of Ankita, Prarthana Behere, and Priya bond off-screen during the early days of Pavitra Rishta. Their camaraderie became one of the show’s defining memories, extending well beyond the sets.

Priya Marathe had a versatile career spanning both Hindi and Marathi television. Apart from Pavitra Rishta, she was known for her roles in shows like Kasamh Se, Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, and several regional projects. Off screen, she was often described by colleagues as gentle, resilient, and fiercely private about her health struggles. Reports confirm that she continued to work intermittently while undergoing treatment, showing immense strength throughout.

The news of her passing came as a shock to many in the industry. Tributes poured in from co-actors and fans alike, with veteran actress Usha Nadkarni expressing heartbreak, saying, “First Sushant Singh Rajput left us and now Priya.” The comparison brought back memories of past losses from the Pavitra Rishta family, amplifying the emotional impact of her death.

Ankita’s heartfelt note serves not just as a tribute to a dear friend, but as a gentle reminder to look beyond appearances and be kinder in a world where personal battles are often hidden behind smiles. As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, Ankita's promise to remember Priya during the Gauri Maha Aarti is a deeply personal and spiritual farewell — one that echoes the sentiment of love, loss, and remembrance.

Several actors from Pavitra Rishta were also seen at the late actress' funeral.