EXCLUSIVE! Atharva Sudame Reveals Why Riteish Deshmukh Was The Perfect First Guest For Maay Marathi

Atharva Sudame interview: From digital content creation and stand-up comedy to writing and hosting gigs, Atharva Sudame has steadily built a reputation as a versatile storyteller. He is taking his passion for storytelling a notch higher with Maay Marathi, a talk show that seeks to go beyond celebrity achievements and explore the personal journeys, values, and experiences that shape some of Maharashtra's most inspiring personalities.

In an exclusive conversation with Filmibeat Assistant Editor Abhishek Ranjit, Sudame opened up about the vision behind the show, the emotional moments that have stayed with him, and why regional-language content is entering an exciting new era.

Here are excerpts from the interview-

1. You've successfully built a career across digital content creation, stand-up comedy, writing, acting, and hosting. What inspired you to take the next step and create Maay Marathi?

Every phase of my career has been rooted in storytelling, whether through comedy, digital content, writing, or acting. Over the years, I realized that while short-form content allows us to entertain, there are many stories that deserve more depth and space.

Maay Marathi was born from a desire to create meaningful conversations that go beyond achievements and public perception. Maharashtra has given us countless inspiring personalities, and I wanted to build a platform where audiences could discover the human stories behind their success. For me, this show is a natural extension of my journey as a storyteller.

2. Maay Marathi is being described as more than just a celebrity talk show. What was the core vision behind the concept, and what gap did you feel it could fill in the current content landscape?

The core vision was simple: to celebrate Maharashtra through the stories of the people who have shaped it in different ways.

Today, we often know public figures through headlines, social media snippets, or viral moments. What we rarely get to see are their roots, struggles, values, and personal journeys. I felt there was a need for a platform that focused on those aspects while also creating a sense of cultural connection and pride.

Maay Marathi is not just about interviewing successful people; it's about understanding what made them who they are and sharing those lessons with audiences.

3. The title itself, Maay Marathi, carries a strong emotional and cultural connection. What does Marathi identity mean to you personally, and how has it influenced the show's narrative?

Marathi identity is a huge part of who I am. It is reflected in the language I speak, the stories I grew up with, the values I carry, and the way I connect with people.

As someone who has built a career creating content in Marathi, I have experienced firsthand how strong and supportive this community is. The show's narrative is deeply influenced by that connection. While the conversations are contemporary and relevant to today's audience, they are always rooted in authenticity, culture, and the shared experiences that connect us as Maharashtrians.

4. The debut episode featured Riteish Deshmukh, while the second episode brought together Abhijeet Sawant and Yashraj Mukhate. What was it like curating conversations with personalities from such diverse backgrounds?

That diversity is exactly what makes the show exciting. Riteish Deshmukh, Abhijeet Sawant, and Yashraj Mukhate come from completely different creative journeys, yet they share a common connection through Maharashtra and their passion for their craft.

The objective was never to focus only on their success stories. It was about exploring the experiences, challenges, and values that shaped them. Each guest brings a unique perspective, which allows the audience to discover different paths to success while finding relatable moments in every conversation.

5. Were there any particularly emotional or unexpected moments during the filming of the first two episodes that stayed with you long after the cameras stopped rolling?

Absolutely. What stays with me the most are the moments when guests move beyond their public image and talk honestly about failures, insecurities, and defining life experiences.

Those conversations often continue even after filming ends, and those off-camera moments can be just as impactful as what audiences see on screen. They serve as a reminder that behind every achievement is a journey filled with uncertainty, persistence, and growth.

6. The 'Marathi Shiledar' segment provides a platform for emerging talent. Why was it important for you to include this initiative as part of the show's format?

One of the biggest goals of Maay Marathi is to celebrate not only established personalities but also the next generation of talent.

There are so many incredible individuals doing meaningful work across Maharashtra, but they may not always receive the visibility they deserve. The Marathi Shiledar segment is our effort to shine a light on these emerging voices and give them a platform to be seen and appreciated.

In many ways, this segment represents the future of Maharashtra, and I felt it was important for the show to contribute to that journey.

7. With audiences increasingly consuming short-form content, were you concerned about launching a long-form conversational show? How have viewers responded so far?

There was definitely some uncertainty because today's digital ecosystem rewards speed and brevity. However, I also believe audiences still crave meaningful and authentic stories.

The response so far has reinforced that belief. When conversations are genuine, emotionally honest, and engaging, viewers are willing to invest their time. We've seen audiences connect deeply with the personal stories, life lessons, and cultural conversations featured on the show, which has been incredibly encouraging.

8. Do you believe regional-language content is entering a new era of mainstream acceptance? How do you see Marathi digital content evolving in the coming years?

Without a doubt. Audiences today are actively looking for authentic stories and voices, and regional-language content is perfectly positioned to deliver that.

Marathi content is no longer limited by geography. Digital platforms have made it possible for stories from Maharashtra to reach audiences across India and around the world. I believe the future will bring more ambitious storytelling, stronger creator ecosystems, and greater representation of Marathi culture in mainstream conversations.

It's an exciting time for Marathi creators, and I think we're only at the beginning of this growth.

9. Looking ahead, what kind of personalities would you love to feature on the show, and what can audiences expect from upcoming episodes?

I would love to feature personalities from every walk of life-cinema, music, sports, entrepreneurship, literature, social impact, and digital media. The focus will always remain on people whose journeys can inspire audiences and offer meaningful insights.

Viewers can expect more powerful conversations, more inspiring stories, and more opportunities to discover the people who are shaping Maharashtra in their own unique ways. The goal is to continue building a platform that celebrates achievement, culture, and the spirit of Maharashtra while staying relevant to today's generation.

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Atharva. Keep up the good work!