'Shaitaan' Actor Janki Bodiwala Traces Her Journey From Regional Cinema To Bollywood

Janki Bodiwala, a rising star in Bollywood and known face in Gujarati cinema, has been captivating audiences with her vibrant performances and undeniable talent. Her debut Bollywood film, Shaitaan, originally titled as Vash in Gujarati, has been making waves since its release on March 8, receiving accolades at the box office. 

In conversation with SheThePeople, Janki Bodewala discussed her journey from Vash to Shaitaan, emphasising her gradual growth and unexpected entry into acting. She highlighted her role in Shaitaan and shared delightful anecdotes from the set, praising co-stars Ajay Devgn and Jyothika.

Journey From Regional Cinema To Bollywood

The actor shared insights into her journey in regional cinema and how it has shaped her career. She said, "I was 18 when I did my first Gujarati film, Chhello Divas in 2015. It happened out of nowhere. I had never thought that I would pursue acting. But when the film became a huge hit in Gujarat, my journey into Gujarati films began. I did three four films and from every film, I learned something new, as I never had formal training in acting. I have been improving my skills with each project, and I am still learning."

Sharing how she landed the role in Shaitaan, the actor said, "I acted in the original film Vash, and the makers of Shaitaan offered me the same character again. I didn't have to audition, as my performance in the original film served as an audition and landed me the role." Bodiwala also shared her experiences on the set of Shaitaan and any memorable experiences with co-actors Ajay Devgn, Jyothika and R. Madhvan. She said, "Jyothika ma'am is someone you can giggle with; we had a lot of fun on the sets. Ajay sir is quite caring, especially towards children. Madhavan sir's dedication to his character was amazing, despite playing a negative role."

She further added, "There was a scene where we were all swimming in a pool in London, and it was really cold. After the shot, Ajay sir came and ensured everyone was warm, which was unexpected but showed his caring nature."

Career Aspirations and Approach:

Janki Bodiwala gained sudden recognition with her Bollywood entry, her performance receiving praise from both critics and audiences. When asked about her career trajectory post-debut, she expressed her aspirations and the types of roles she aims to pursue in the future. She said, "I haven't thought much about it; I want to go with the flow. Whatever comes my way and whatever I like, I will do. The character should be appealing enough for me to take on."

She added, "If the role and character are meaningful to me, I will do it without worrying about what others may think. My priority is to act, and if I resonate with a particular role, I will prioritise it. It's about finding satisfaction in the characters I portray."

Lastly, the actor discussed whether there is anyone in the industry she admires as an inspiration, or if there is a specific role she would be eager to take on if given the opportunity for a remake. She shared "I admire Supriya Pathak for her versatility and conviction in portraying diverse characters. Whether it's a comedic role in 'Khichdi' or a strong woman character in 'Ram Leela,' she brings equal conviction to each role. She has always been my inspiration."