Janki Bodiwala, the acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances in ‘Vash’ and her Hindi debut ‘Shaitaan’, recently visited Lucknow for the first time. She shared her journey from Gujarati cinema to national recognition and expressed her gratitude for the opportunities regional films provided her.
First Visit to Lucknow and National Recognition
During an exclusive conversation, Bodiwala reflected on her rise in the film industry. She won the National Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Shaitaan and received the award from Shah Rukh Khan.
She recalled the moment vividly:
“I will cherish that moment forever. When I saw him coming to hand me the award, my heart raced. I held his hand, and King Khan’s positive aura made me feel completely at ease. It was one of the best days of my life.”
Gujarati Cinema Shaped Her Career
Bodiwala emphasized the impact of regional cinema on her success.
“Gujarati cinema gave me an identity. It opened doors for me at the national level. I received recognition and awards because of a Gujarati film, and I am deeply grateful for that opportunity.”
Her journey showcases how regional cinema can serve as a launchpad for national acclaim, highlighting the growing importance of local film industries.
No Regional Divide in Indian Cinema
The actress also shared her perspective on the regional divide in Indian cinema:
“I don’t see a divide anymore. Gujarati films are releasing across India, and Hindi films reach all of us too. Gujaratis are among the biggest content consumers and generate significant revenue. We enjoy content from all languages—Marathi, Tamil, Bengali, and more. For us, cinema has always been inclusive.”
Her statement reflects the growing pan-India acceptance of diverse regional content and the shift toward cross-cultural film consumption.
Janki Bodiwala’s Vision for the Future
As she continues her work in Gujarati and Hindi cinema, Janki Bodiwala aims to bridge regional and national platforms, inspiring young actors from regional industries to pursue national recognition while celebrating their roots.
