Marathi actress Girija Oak Godbole, who also appeared in Shah Rukh Khan’s recent blockbuster Jawan, has gone viral on social media as the “Blue Saree Wali.” Netizens have compared her to Hollywood bombshell Sydney Sweeney and Italian model Monica Bellucci, sparking a massive buzz online. The actress has now addressed the phenomenon in an interaction with Hindustan Times.
Girija Oak reacts to viral fame
“I am amused! My phone started buzzing like crazy on Sunday evening,” Girija Oak revealed. She explained that she was in rehearsals for her play when she started receiving a flood of messages from friends asking, “‘Do you know what’s happening on X?’” referring to the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Girija added that one post had even sparked a debate about whether the viral blue saree actress was her or fellow Marathi actress Priya Bapat. She laughed about how her brother-in-law informed her that a few “cheap handles” had picked up her pictures, and a “bhabhi lover” meme scene had emerged online.
Addressing being sexualised
While some pages sexualised her online, Girija emphasized that her Marathi fans appreciated her long-standing work in the industry. “Some pages sexualized me. But Marathi fans said, ‘You’ve only just discovered her! We’ve known her for years,’” she said. She noted that social media trends come and go, but the work she puts into films and theatre will remain. “If people discover my work now, that makes me happy,” Girija added.
Belonging to a film family, Girija mentioned that she understands the nature of public perception and does not feel the need to explain herself. “We’re all aware of the nature of the beast. If you put yourself on a pedestal, people will talk,” she said, highlighting her grounded approach to fame and online trends.
Girija Oak Godbole’s recent and notable projects
In addition to her Marathi film and theatre work, Girija has been part of Hindi cinema, most recently appearing in Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan. She has also acted in films such as Taare Zameen Par, Shor In The City, Qala, The Vaccine War, among others, showcasing her versatility across genres and languages.
Her viral blue saree moment has brought her wider recognition beyond Marathi cinema, but Girija remains focused on her craft, emphasising that her work and performance are what will stand the test of time.