Ria Nalavade: The Rising Star Taking the Marathi Film Industry by Storm

Ria Nalavade is arguably one of the most desirable up-and-coming faces, taking the Marathi film industry by storm. Hailing from Bangalore but with roots in Belgaum, the 20-year-old actress has already completed five feature films. Her first major Marathi film, Man Mauji, is set to hit cinemas in November. Directed by Sheetal Shetty and produced by Vinod Malgevar under the Golden Gate banner (famous for Gulaabjaam), Ria plays an ambitious young corporate woman chasing her dreams, who constantly clashes with her arrogant boss, portrayed by Chaava fame Bhushan Patil. Her glamorous entry shot, inspired by Sushmita Sen, has already caught eyeballs since the teaser’s release.

Ria’s upcoming projects include two Hindi films, showcasing her desire not to be limited by language. She believes cinema holds unlimited potential, and the idea of playing diverse characters excites her. At just 17, she won the national Fresh Face contest, charming everyone with her wit, answers, and dance skills. Soon after, she bagged her first role in Teen Payancha Ghoda, an independent film directed by Noopur Bora, where her performance as Chandrika earned her recognition at the Mumbai Film Festival from big industry names.

“My grandmother, Nayantara Nalavade, was the first female mayor of Nipani, and my mother, Pushpa, is the most hardworking woman I know. I want to be like them,” Ria proudly shares. She’s thrilled that her big-screen debut is in a Marathi film, as she deeply cherishes her roots and heritage.

Apart from acting, Ria has also made her mark as a model, representing top brands. With her talent and passion, the sky’s the limit for this rising star. But Ria isn’t just a pretty face—she’s also deeply compassionate, regularly volunteering for animals and children, giving a voice to the voiceless. She has studied screenwriting and dreams of winning awards that put Indian stories on the global stage.

As an outsider with no film industry connections, Ria has carved her own path. She bagged a role in the acclaimed web series Sunflower, directed by Vikas Bahl, and was most recently seen in the web shows UP65 and Cadets, where she gained a significant young fan following. We’re excited to see what her next project will be and look forward to watching her journey unfold.