People who believe only Bollywood produces splendid movies have not seen the power of regional cinema. Marathi cinema has proven to be one of the leading regional movie churners who have time and again given us some fantastic content and phenomenal performances. With the simplicity, rawness, and perfection in portraying the characters, the Marathi film industry has attracted many Bollywood actors to make a debut in their world of stories. On Marathi Language Day, let's take you through a list of Bollywood actors who have acted in Marathi movies.

Madhuri Dixit, Nana Patekar, Urmila Matondkar, and many more - the list keeps on getting interesting. Let's see which popular Bollywood actors made their mark in Marathi cinema.

1. Riteish Deshmukh - Lai Bhaari

The popular Bollywood actor's Marathi roots made him fall in love with the regional content. Having acted in the 2014 release 'Lai Bhaari', Riteish Deshmukh was highly inspired to make his directorial debut with 'Ved', a blockbuster Marathi love story. With both movies excelling at the box office, they attracted an audience from different parts of the country.

2. Urmila Matondkar - Ajoba

Urmila Matondkar started her career in Shreeram Lagoo's Marathi movie 'Zaakol' as a child actor. She became one of the most loved actresses of her time. The Rangeela actress then made a mark in Marathi cinema with the 2014 release 'Ajoba'. She played a wildlife photographer named Purva.

3. Nana Patekar - Natsamrat

The veteran actor entered the Marathi film industry back in 1979 with the movie 'Sinhasan'. Since then, he has given some incredible performances both in Bollywood and the regional movie space. Nana Patekar's performance as Ganpat Ramchandra Belwalkar in the critically acclaimed movie 'Natsamrat' was highly lauded and loved by all.

Natsamrat was remade in Guajarti which goes by the same name. The Padma Shri awardee is all set for his next Marathi movie 'Aapla Manus' which will be produced by Ajay Devgn.

4. Madhuri Dixit - Bucket List

Bollywood's Dhak Dhak girl made her way to every regional cinema lover's heart with her performance in 'Bucket List.' An interesting take on an unexpected relationship between a patient and a heart donor, Bucket List is a roller coaster of emotions. Madhuri Dixit played the lead character of Madura Sane and took the entire industry by surprise with her spectacular performance.

5. Genelia D'Souza - Ved

Genelia D'Souza instantly became a national crush after her performance in 'Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na.' After a long hiatus from the movie business, the actress made her comeback in her husband's directorial 'Ved' as the leading lady Shravani Jadhav. She was also the producer of the movie. Her performance in Ved was a visual treat for every Marathi movie lover.

Which regional movie do you think proved to be the shape-shifter of the Marathi film industry?