Priyanka
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Rajkumar Hirani made his directorial debut with the cult classic Munnabhai MBBS, a film that became an instant hit. Starring Sanjay Dutt in the lead role, the movie told the story of Munna, a lovable goon whose father wanted him to become a doctor. To fulfill his father’s dream in a rather unconventional way, Munna gets into a medical college through deceit.
Among his classmates in the film was a character played by actress Priya Bapat. Though her role in Munnabhai MBBS was small, she made a lasting impression. She later returned in a more significant role in its sequel, Lage Raho Munnabhai. Over the past decade, Priya has cemented her place as one of the most renowned actresses in Marathi cinema.
Making Waves on OTT Platforms
Priya Bapat’s journey in the industry took an interesting turn when she entered the world of OTT. Back in 2003, her simple yet memorable dialogue from Munnabhai MBBS—"I don't want to be a doctor, I want to help them as a friend"—left a mark. The scene where Boman Irani scolds her became quite popular.
Though her role in Munnabhai MBBS was brief, it opened doors for her. Over time, she built a strong filmography and has now made a significant impact in the digital space. Recently, she appeared in SonyLIV’s thriller series Raat Jawaan Hai. Before that, her portrayal of the sharp and ambitious politician Purnima Gaikwad in City of Dreams won over Hindi audiences, further establishing her as a powerhouse performer.
How She Landed the Role in 'Munnabhai MBBS'
In a candid interview, Priya shared that when she first appeared in Munnabhai MBBS, she hadn't even thought about becoming a full-time actress. She was still figuring out her career path and had no clear vision for the future. It was only after doing multiple films and advertisements that she realized her passion for acting.
Talking about how she got her role in Munnabhai MBBS, she revealed that the selection process was quite simple. "I got a call from Rajkumar Hirani’s office, went for the audition, and got the role. It was that easy," she told Bollywood Hungama.
Growing Up in a Mumbai Chawl
Priya Bapat’s success story is inspiring, especially considering her humble beginnings. She grew up in a chawl in Mumbai's Dadar and lived there for nearly 25 years, right up until her marriage.
For Priya, her chawl wasn’t just a house—it was a place full of cherished memories. From celebrating Diwali together with neighbors to playing endless games with friends, her childhood was filled with warmth and togetherness. She also shared a fascinating detail about the chawl’s design—each house on the floor was internally connected through doors. This unique setup meant families were always just a step away from each other, creating a strong sense of community.
Today, Priya Bapat is a celebrated actress with an impressive body of work. From a small role in Munnabhai MBBS to leading performances in web series, her journey is a true testament to her talent and determination.
