In a recent exclusive interview, Manjari Fadnnis, widely recognized as the ‘Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na girl,’ shared insights into her flourishing career in the entertainment industry. The actress, known for her roles in OTT projects like ‘Barot House’ and ‘The Freelancer’ part 1 and 2, reflected on the positive reception of her character Meghna from ‘Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na,’ even after 15 years since the film’s release.
Fadnnis discussed her role in ‘The Freelancer 2,’ emphasizing the challenges of portraying vulnerable characters and the importance of tapping into one’s empathetic side as an actor. When asked about her approach to acting, she revealed a mix of methods, highlighting the need to adapt depending on the demands of the role.
Coming from an army background, Fadnnis credited her resilience as an actor to her upbringing. Growing up as an army officer’s kid, she expressed how it shaped her character, enabling her to understand diverse cultures and people, which has proven beneficial in the competitive entertainment industry.
The actress opened up about the tough phases in her career, sharing instances where she contemplated returning to her family in Pune. Fadnnis acknowledged the support of her parents and shared a conversation with her father during a challenging period in 2019, which provided her with reassurance.
Reflecting on her journey, Fadnnis mentioned pivotal moments that rescued her from difficult phases, citing projects like ‘Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na,’ ‘Kis Kis Ko Pyaar Karoon,’ and ‘Barot House.’ She acknowledged the current shift in the industry, attributing her recent success to the changing landscape of content consumption on OTT platforms.
The actress also highlighted the role of theatre in honing her skills, sharing how creatively fulfilling experiences in theatre helped her during a phase when she was not getting the roles she desired.
While discussing the challenges of living alone in Mumbai, Fadnnis emphasized her creative pursuits as a source of happiness and sanity during tough times. She revealed her passion for painting, singing, and learning to play the piano during the lockdown.
On the enduring popularity of ‘Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na,’ Fadnnis expressed her joy at receiving more love for her character Meghna now than during the film’s release. She discussed the cult status of the movie and the ongoing challenge of finding roles that live up to its legacy.
Looking ahead, Fadnnis shared details about her upcoming projects, including ‘Pune Highway,’ an independent film gaining acclaim at festivals, and collaborations with renowned directors Abbas-Mustan on ‘Penthouse.’ Additionally, she teased a potential musical project with friends.
In closing, Fadnnis expressed hope for a sequel to ‘Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na’ and hinted at the exciting prospect of exploring where the characters are 15 years later.
