Cute and bubbly, Supriya Pilgaonkar, a respected Indian actress and producer, has made significant contributions to Marathi and Hindi cinema and television over four decades. Known for her relatable portrayals of family-oriented characters, she has transitioned from lead roles to character parts while maintaining a strong industry presence.
Early Life and Career
Supriya Pilgaonkar was born Supriya Sabnis on August 17, 1967, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, into a middle-class Maharashtrian family. Her father, Vasant Sabnis, was an iconic Marathi writer, while her mother managed the household. Supriya has a younger sister.
Pilgaonkar attended a Paranjpe Vidyalaya in Mumbai for her early education. She later enrolled at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, where she pursued a degree in commerce. and later completed her master’s. During college, she participated in theater activities, honing her performing skills. Pilgaonkar began her career in the late 1980s through Marathi theater. She joined professional plays, gaining experience on stage. Some of her famous plays include Mahatare Arka Baiyit Garka, Khara Sangaycha Tar, Time Pass
Supriya Pilgaonkar In Marathi Cinema
Her film debut came with the Marathi movie “Navri Mile Navryala” (1984), directed by Sachin Pilgaonkar, who later became her husband. Interestingly, it was Sachin’s mother who noticed her in a Marathi TV serial. She suggested that Supriya would suit the role of heroine in the film Sachin was making. Her performance get her the Fimfare Awards For Best Actress – Marathi. The role marked her entry into cinema. She expanded to Hindi films and television, building a steady presence in regional and national projects.
In 1988 she again teams up with Sachin for “Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi,” which earned her the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Actress.
Her next film, “Maza Pati Karodpati” (1988), again with Sachin, was one of the highest-grossing films of Marathi cinema. She then acted in Aayatya Gharat Gharoba (1991) and Kunku (1994), both directed by Sachin. She also acted in Ramesh Deo’s marathi films “Chor Chor” (1992).
After the haitus of 10 years, she did her next Marathi movie, “Navra Maza Navsacha” (2004), directed by Sachin. She also acted in Aamhi Satpute (2008), Ekulti Ek (2013) and Navra Maza Navsacha 2 (2024). In 2019 she turned producer with Ashi Hi Aashiqui.
Supriya On TV
Although Supriya worked briefly on TV in the mid-1980s, her proper TV debut came with Kshitij Ye Nahi in 1991. In the serial, she acted with Vikram Gokhale, Tushar Dalvi and Rajit Kapur. Supriya’s real breakthrough came with Tu Tu Main Main (1994), a Hindi comedy directed by Sachin. It features her as a housewife constantly in banter with her mother-in-law, Reema Lagoo. Their tries to outwit each other result in hilarious situations. Although the serial tells the story of Saas-Bahu, it was not like today’s serials, which scream fakeness. In 2006 came the sequel of the serial titled “Kadvee Khattee Meethi.”
After the success of Tu Tu Main Main, Supriya starred in many serials like Mumkin (1996), Kabhi Biwi Kabhi Jasoos (2002), Tu Tota Main Maina (2006), Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi (2008), Basera (2009), Sasural Genda Phool (2010), Dilli Wali Thakur Gurls (2015), Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi (2016), Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi: Nayi Kahaani (2021), Janani (2021) and Sasural Genda Phool 2 (2021).
Supriya In Hindi Films
She made her Hindi film debut with Sanjay Chhel’s “Khoobsurat” in 1999. In 2002 she acted in Awara Paagal Deewana opposite Johnny Lever. Their milk-drinking scene became iconic. Over the years she played many supporting roles in films like Tujhe Meri Kasam, Aetabar, Barsaat, Deewane Huye Paagal, Hichki, Batti Gul Meter Chalu, Family Of Thakurganj, Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari, and Kahan Shuru Kahan Khatam. She also acted in web series like Home (2018) and Pyaar Actually – Real Is Rare (2019).
Personal Life
Pilgaonkar married actor Sachin Pilgaonkar in 1985. The couple first met during “Navri Mile Navryala” (1984). They have a daughter, Shriya Pilgaonkar, born in 1989, who is an actress. The family lives in Mumbai. In later life, she focuses on selective roles and family.
Supriya Pilgaonkar on IMDB
