I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the talented and versatile actress, Manjari Fadnis, whose career spans across multiple film industries, including Bollywood, South Indian cinema, Marathi films, and OTT platforms. From her debut in the 2005 film Rok Sako To Rok Lo to her celebrated role in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and beyond, Manjari’s journey is marked by perseverance, diversity, and an unwavering passion for her craft. Here, she opens up about the key moments that shaped her career, her experience working across different languages and genres, and the personal growth she’s experienced as an actor.
Manjari began her story by recalling the pivotal moments in her career, starting with her first film. “The first key moment was, of course, when I got my debut film Rok Sako To Rok Lo. That project marked my overnight move to Mumbai and my first time living independently. It was a huge step,” she shared, her eyes lighting up with nostalgia. “But it was four years later, with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, that the industry truly noticed me. Everything changed after that. I received my first few awards, including the Stardust Award for Breakthrough Performance and the Talent of the Year from Maharashtra Times.”
She went on to describe how that recognition brought her closer to the audience, and the role of Meghna in Jaane Tu still brings her love and appreciation even today. The same year, she ventured into Telugu cinema, a move that broadened her fanbase and introduced her to the South Indian audience. “Working in multiple languages—Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam—was challenging but also incredibly fun. It gave me valuable experience and confidence as an actress, all while waiting for the right projects in Hindi.”
Manjari fondly recalled her resurgence in Bollywood with the hit films Grand Masti and Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon, which “brought me back on the map after a gap.” But she emphasized that it was her foray into OTT that marked a true turning point in her career. “With the rise of OTT in 2019, it opened new doors for me as an actor. My debut in Barot House was a game-changer. It was the first time the industry saw me in a complex, intense role. That performance helped break stereotypes, and soon I began receiving varied and satisfying roles in shows like Miya Biwi Aur Murder, Masoom, and The Freelancer.”
Manjari Fadnis extensive experience across multiple film industries, I was curious about how Manjari approaches roles in various genres and languages. She explained that while her process remains the same for mainstream or indie projects, the approach does shift depending on the genre. “For comedies, like Miya Biwi Aur Murder, it’s crucial to not take yourself too seriously. You need to enjoy the role and the scenes because the camera is a sentient being—it captures everything, even the subtlest of vibes. If you’re having fun, so will the audience,” she explained with a knowing smile. However, for serious roles like in Barot House or The Freelancer, Manjari revealed how deeply she immerses herself in the character’s backstory. “If the script doesn’t provide enough, I create my own mini-biography for the character to understand her current situation. That way, I can bring as much authenticity to the role as possible.”
When working in different languages, the challenge is even greater. “In addition to my usual process, I spend weeks practicing the diction, meaning, and flow of each word to make sure it feels natural. By the time I’m on set, I want to focus entirely on performance, not remembering lines.”
Manjari had played a range of roles throughout her career, and I was eager to know which had the biggest impact on her growth as an actor. She paused before revealing that Bhavna in Barot House was perhaps the most challenging. “Bhavna was a character inching toward insanity due to depression. It was emotionally and mentally exhausting to get into that headspace before shooting,” she said, her voice heavy with the weight of the experience. She also mentioned Mrunal in The Freelancer, a role she described as emotionally volatile, and her character in Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, where she spanned two decades, from 18 to 40 years.
But it wasn’t just film roles that helped her grow. Manjari credits her experience in theatre, specifically with the plays Double Deal Reloaded and Devdas, as critical turning points in her development as an artist. “Theatre was my entry into a different space. The live performances, especially in a Broadway-style production like Devdas, taught me so much about myself. Acting, dancing, and singing live in front of an audience—it was an exhilarating high.”
As we wrapped up, I asked Manjari about the advice she would offer aspiring actors on maintaining a healthy work-life balance in such a demanding industry. “Maintaining balance is important for everyone, not just actors,” she began thoughtfully. “In the film industry, we deal with periods of intense work and long stretches with no work. It’s crucial how you handle that downtime. Keeping yourself creatively occupied, learning new skills, and working on your craft is vital during these phases.”
She emphasized the importance of emotional support systems. “Surround yourself with good friends and family you can trust. The industry can be difficult, and you need a strong emotional backbone to deal with its ups and downs.”
Manjari Fadnis’ journey is a testament to her resilience and passion for storytelling. Through her experiences across different mediums, languages, and genres, she continues to evolve as an artist. As we concluded the interview, her parting words stayed with me: “Nothing lasts forever in the film industry, neither success nor failure. You have to be ready for anything.” And it is this mindset that makes Manjari not just a talented actor but a true artist.
With special thanks to Manjari Fadnis for sharing her inspiring journey with Women Fitness India.