Interview: Janhavi Uday: “I Always Focus on My Work, the Learning Process, and My Own Growth”!

Actress Janhavi Uday made her acting debut with the film Aarpaar and quickly drew attention for her natural and effortless performances. Alongside her acting career, her experience in the corporate world has added a unique dimension to her personality. Regarded as one of the promising talents of the younger generation, Janhavi is now set to entertain audiences with the Marathi web series Premala Conditions Apply. In an exclusive conversation with our Sr Editor Keerti Kadam, she spoke about the series, her journey, and her perspective on acting.

Cine Buster: Pure love is often said to be unconditional. What would you like to share about your new web series Premala Conditions Apply?

Janhavi Uday: The title itself is quite intriguing because it brings together two seemingly contradictory ideas love and conditions. The story revolves around Rishi and Ananya, whose lives are governed by certain rules and limitations. In particular, workplace policies create challenges in their relationship, forcing them to navigate a series of obstacles. However, despite these hurdles, the audience will witness how they grow together, understand themselves better, and evolve as individuals. It is not merely a love story but also a deeply emotional journey of two people discovering themselves and each other.

Cine Buster: How were you selected for this project?

Janhavi Uday: As with most projects, it began with an audition call. This was followed by multiple screen tests, auditions, and discussions. The selection process was quite extensive and detailed. I had previously worked with director Gaurav (Patki), and I was eager to collaborate with him again because every project with him offers a new learning experience. His approach to filmmaking is thoughtful and nuanced. Moreover, the story was compelling, and having a talented co-actor like Siddharth (Menon) on board made the project even more exciting.

Cine Buster: How was your first meeting with Siddharth?

Janhavi Uday: We first met during the chemistry test for the series. Before that, we were aware of each other’s work but had never met in person. The chemistry test went well, and we soon began script readings together. Interestingly, we did not get much opportunity to spend time together before the shoot. Many of our discussions and rehearsals took place over video calls. However, once we met on set, our interaction felt very natural and effortless, which ultimately translated well into our on-screen chemistry.

Cine Buster: What is your perspective on competition in the acting industry?

Janhavi Uday: I have been working since I was sixteen years old, and from the very beginning, my outlook towards work has been quite different. For me, acting has never been about competition; it has always been a journey of self-enrichment and continuous learning.
In this industry, comparisons and competition are often inevitable, and many people tend to measure themselves against the success of others. However, I have never subscribed to that mindset. Every artist has a unique journey, background, set of opportunities, and experiences. Instead of comparing ourselves with others, it is far more meaningful to focus on becoming better than we were yesterday.
My greatest motivation lies in portraying a character with honesty and authenticity and ensuring that the audience connects with it. I firmly believe that when one works with dedication, sincerity, and commitment, the rewards eventually follow. Therefore, rather than dwelling on competition, I choose to focus on my work, my learning process, and my personal growth.
For me, the true measure of success is evolving continuously as an artist and learning something new from every project.

Cine Buster: How did you prepare for your role in this series?

Janhavi Uday: Premala Conditions Apply spans ninety episodes, which means our shooting schedule is extremely demanding. We often film multiple scenes in a single day, leaving limited time for extensive preparation for each one. Nevertheless, before every scene, we make it a point to spend a few minutes understanding the emotional journey of the characters.
We discuss the character’s mental state, emotional transitions, the arc of the scene, and ways to make it more impactful. These conversations, often involving director Gaurav as well, help us approach each scene with clarity and depth.
I believe acting is not merely about delivering dialogues; it is about understanding people and their emotional worlds. Observation, therefore, becomes one of the most important tools for an actor. Every day, we encounter people with different habits, mannerisms, and ways of expressing themselves. These observations gradually become part of our subconscious and later enrich our performances.
The more attentively we observe life and seek to understand people, the more authentic and relatable our characters become. In this series, too, I have drawn upon many such observations and personal experiences to shape Ananya’s character, making her journey feel genuine and relatable to the audience.

Cine Buster: Your debut film was Aarpaar. How was that experience?

Janhavi Uday: Aarpaar will always remain a very special project for me. At that time, I was working in the corporate sector. I would spend the day at work and then attend rehearsals and discussions over video calls late into the night. Gaurav and I would analyse the character in detail and carefully work through every scene.
Although my role had a limited screen space, the character had a beautiful arc and a meaningful journey. The experience was immensely enriching, and the lessons I learned from that project continue to stay with me even today.

Cine Buster: Which medium of entertainment appeals to you the most?

Janhavi Uday: Since childhood, my mother introduced me to the world of art and culture. She would take me to plays, films, and musical performances, which nurtured my love for acting and the arts from a very young age.
Cinema remains my favourite medium because of its vast reach and impact. At the same time, I am deeply fascinated by theatre and hope to work on stage in the future as well.

Cine Buster: What are your thoughts on the audience response to Marathi cinema?

Janhavi Uday: I believe that instead of complaining that audiences are not coming to theatres or not responding to content, we should focus on creating meaningful and honest stories. When a narrative is told with sincerity and emotional authenticity, audiences invariably connect with it.
Rather than blaming viewers, it is important for creators to reflect on what new and high-quality content they can offer. With Premala Conditions Apply, we have made a conscious effort to keep viewers engaged and eager to watch the next episode.
It is a light-hearted, romantic, and emotionally engaging story filled with situations that people can easily relate to. I would encourage everyone to watch the first few episodes. I am confident that once you begin, you will be curious to know what happens next and will continue following the journey.

By Keerti Kadam