Ankita Lokhande Mourns Pavitra Rishta Co-star Priya Marathe’s Cancer Death

The entertainment world lost a cherished talent this week. Actress Priya Marathe, known for her role in the popular TV show “Pavitra Rishta,” passed away on Sunday. She had been bravely battling cancer. Her co-star, Ankita Lokhande, shared a deeply touching tribute on social media yesterday, Monday, remembering her dear friend.

Ankita Lokhande, who played the lead in “Pavitra Rishta,” posted several old photos. She spoke from the heart about her bond with Priya. Priya Marathe played Ankita’s sister on the show. Fans and fellow actors are sending their condolences.

Ankita Shares Heartfelt Memories

Ankita Lokhande’s post on Instagram brought many to tears. She wrote about the special connection she shared with Priya. “Priya was my first friend from ‘Pavitra Rishta’,” Ankita shared. She mentioned a small group including herself, Prarthana, and Priya. “Whenever we were together, it always felt really good,” she added. The three friends affectionately called each other ‘Vede’ in Marathi, meaning “crazy one.” Ankita said this friendship was truly unique.

Ankita remembered Priya as a constant source of support. “She was with me in my good times and stood by me in my sad times,” Ankita wrote. “Whenever I needed her, she was always there.” A sweet tradition was also mentioned: “She never forgot to join Ganpati Bappa’s Gauri Maha Aarti.” Ankita promised to pray for Priya’s peace this year. “My Vede, I miss you so much,” she conveyed.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ankita Lokhande (@lokhandeankita)

Ankita continued, sharing how strong Priya was. “Priya was very tough,” she wrote. “She fought every battle with great courage.” The pain was clear in her words: “My heart is breaking even as I write this.” She reflected on the hidden struggles people face. “Losing her reminds us that we never know how much someone is fighting behind their smile. Therefore, be kind… always.”

The message ended with a final goodbye. “Priya, my dear Vede, you will always live in my heart and memories,” Ankita concluded. “Thank you for every laugh, every tear, every moment. Om Shanti.”

A Sisterly Bond on Screen and Off

In “Pavitra Rishta,” Ankita Lokhande played Archana. Priya Marathe portrayed Varsha, Archana’s sister. Another actress, Prarthana Behere, played Vaishali, the third sister. Prarthana Behere also shared her own emotional post remembering Priya.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Prarthana Behere Jawkar 💜 (@prarthana.behere)

Mixed Reactions from Fans

Ankita’s emotional post about Priya Marathe has sparked varied reactions online. Some users criticized Ankita for sharing her tribute a day after Priya’s passing. They questioned why she didn’t post earlier or attend the funeral. “Didn’t you have time yesterday?” one user asked.

However, many of Ankita’s fans quickly came to her defense. They reminded others that grief is personal. “Can sorrow only be expressed by sharing a post?” one fan wrote, adding, “People were sad even before social media existed.” Another supporter commented, “She’s being trolled so much for not making one post. Is this the only way left to express sorrow?” The debate highlights how public figures navigate grief under constant scrutiny.