“I Just Went Without Expectations, And Won!”, Dhairya Gholap on Bagging the Filmfare Marathi Award for Best Debut

In a breakout moment that’s got the entire Marathi film industry buzzing, newcomer Dhairya Gholap has won the coveted Filmfare Marathi Award for Best Debut for his performance in Yek Number. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Rajesh Mapuskar and backed by a powerhouse trio — Sajid Nadiadwala’s Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Zee Studios, and Sahyadri Films — Yek Number marked Dhairya’s cinematic debut, and what a grand entry it’s been.

Speaking after the win, Dhairya confessed that the moment took him by complete surprise. “I honestly didn’t see this coming. Some seniors told me to attend the awards, and I just went with no expectations. And suddenly, I was on stage, holding that black lady. It still feels unreal,” he shared.

The film, mounted on a big canvas, has been praised for its scale and storytelling — with Dhairya’s performance earning special applause. Industry stalwarts are already placing their bets on his future, with none other than producer  Sajid Nadiadwala telling him, “Tu lambi race ka ghoda hai.” The remark, coming from one of the industry’s biggest producers, has only strengthened Dhairya’s resolve to go further.

With Yek Number being likened to Prabhas’s Baahubali moment — both in terms of scale and what it could mean for his trajectory — Dhairya is staying focused. “I’m reading a lot of scripts, including Hindi projects. I want to be part of a big, meaningful cinema that leaves a mark.” he says.