Actress Shruti Marathe, who recently gained attention for her role in the web series Pritam And Pedro, has opened up about her experience working with superstar Jr NTR in the 2024 blockbuster Devara. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, she shared how she handled working alongside one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema.
How Shruti Marathe Stayed Grounded on the Devara Set
Shruti Marathe played the wife and mother of Jr NTR’s dual characters in Devara. When asked about working with the superstar, she said, "I made a conscious effort not to be star-struck while working with the superstar in Devara, and I’m glad I managed that." She added that most of her scenes were with Jr NTR, and she wanted to stay focused on her performance rather than getting overwhelmed by his stardom.
According to Bollywood Hungama, the actress made a deliberate choice to treat the actor as a colleague rather than a superstar. This approach, she believes, helped her deliver a more natural performance on screen.
Bonding Over Telugu and Marathi Cinema
Beyond the professional dynamic, Shruti Marathe revealed that she and Jr NTR found common ground through their shared love for cinema. "We spoke about Telugu and Marathi film industries," she said. This exchange of ideas and experiences helped build a comfortable working relationship on set.
The actress, who has worked in both Marathi and South Indian films, noted that these conversations were a highlight of the experience. It allowed both actors to appreciate each other's cultural and cinematic backgrounds.
From Devara to Pritam And Pedro
Shruti Marathe’s recent work includes the web series Pritam And Pedro, produced by Rajkumar Hirani and starring Arshad Warsi, Vir Hirani, and Vikrant Massey. The series has been well-received, further establishing her as a versatile performer across different mediums.
Her role in Devara marked one of the biggest projects of her career, and her ability to stay grounded while working with a superstar like Jr NTR has earned her praise from fans and critics alike.
Our Take: Staying Professional in the Spotlight
Shruti Marathe’s approach to working with Jr NTR is a refreshing reminder that professionalism and focus can overcome the pressure of sharing screen space with a megastar. In our view, her conscious effort to avoid being star-struck shows maturity and dedication to her craft. It also highlights how meaningful conversations about shared cultural roots—like Telugu and Marathi cinema—can create genuine connections on set. This is a lesson for any actor stepping into a big-budget film: respect the star, but never let the awe overshadow the work.
