Alka Kubal

Alka Kubal Athalye (née Kubal; born 23 September 1965) is an Indian actress and producer who has worked in Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, and Rajasthani language films. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished actresses in Marathi cinema, she has acted in over 150 films across a career spanning more than four decades. She is a two-time recipient of the Maharashtra State Film Award and has received three Filmfare Marathi Award nominations.

Kubal began her artistic journey at the age of eight through theatre and made her screen debut at 15 in the 1981 Hindi film Chakra. She gained early recognition with award-winning performances in Marathi films like Streedhan and Lek Chalali Sasarla (both 1984), and went onto establish herself as a leading actress in the 1980s and 1990s with iconic roles in Vahinichi Maya (1985), Porichi Dhamaal Baapachi Kamaal (1987), Balache Baap Brahmachari (1989), and Lapwa Chhapwi (1990). She garnered widespread success in 1991 for her role in Maherchi Sadi; the film and her performance were highly praised, and the film later attained cult status. It cemented her image as a symbol of sacrifice, devotion, and traditional values. She became one of the most popular leading ladies of Marathi cinema and went on to star in series of commercial successes, which include Mahercha Aaher (1993), Zakhmi Kunku (1995), Suna Yeti Ghara (1995), Durga Aali Ghara (1996) and Navasache Por (1998).

In the 2000s, Kubal transitioned toward devotional and socially driven cinema, earning acclaim for her portrayals in films like Devki (2001), Tulas Aali Ghara (2001), Aai Tuza Ashirwad (2004), Kunku Lavte Mahercha (2004) and Kalubaichya Naavan Changbhala (2005), where she also essayed revered figures such as Goddess Kalubai and Bhavani. She also ventured into film production with socially conscious films such as Suvasinichi Hi Satvapariksha and Agnipariksha, and made a successful foray into television with Aai Majhi Kalubai, which she both starred in and produced. In recent years, she has taken on more nuanced maternal roles in acclaimed films such as Shrimant Damodar Pant (2013), Dr. Tatya Lahane – Angaar: Power is Within (2018), Dhurala (2020) and Mangla (2025).

In recognition of her artistic contributions, Kubal has been honored with the Rajya Sanskrutik Puraskar (2013), the Kala Sadhana – Kala Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar (2014), and the V. Shantaram Award (2016), affirming her enduring legacy in Indian regional cinema.