In Savlyachi Janu Savli, actor Veena Jagtap portrays the character of Aishwarya Mehendale. While discussing her role, Veena shared several insights.
“I play Aishwarya Mehendale in the show. She is very ambitious and doesn’t like anyone surpassing her. Her marriage is into a family where her mother-in-law loves only beautiful things. Aishwarya is Miss Pune, and when her mother-in-law, Tilottama, first sees her, she immediately decides she should be her daughter-in-law. Although Aishwarya is a housewife, she doesn’t work herself but gets others to do it. She is Tilottama’s favorite daughter-in-law. When I first received a call for the audition of this show, I was in Himachal Pradesh on a trip. The network there was poor, but I got a call saying, “There’s a show called Savlyaachi Janu Saavli and we want you to audition for a negative role. Would you like to give it a try?” My first thought was, “Oh my God! Will I be able to do it?” because I think negative roles are harder than positive ones. I received a script for the audition and had to send it in wearing a saree or salwar kameez. But I only had travel clothes with me as I was on vacation. I submitted my audition, but they didn’t like it. They said they’d let me know if something else came up.”
Since shewas on a trip, she didn’t dwell on it. “Once I returned from vacation, I got a call asking if I could come for a look test. I did the test and had to catch a train to Ujjain the same day. I was going to Mahakal. The next day, after my visit to the temple, as soon as I was stepping out, I got the call that I had been selected. I was thrilled, but the pressure mounted as well. My mother, who was with me, said, ‘You’ve received Mahakal’s blessings’.”
She adds, “When the first promo was released, I received mixed reactions, with people questioning why I was taking on a negative role. But I feel it’s important to experiment, and I want to see if I can do justice to such a role. I also believe that while I may be popular, I am not yet a great actor. There’s a difference between popularity and being a great artist, and I need to take on challenging roles to grow. I have accepted this challenge and am ready to work hard. Let’s see how the audience responds. On our set, we have a wonderful atmosphere, and I share a makeup room with Sulekha Tai and Mansi. We’ve developed a lovely bond. Since it’s a new show, we mostly discuss work and scenes during our free time. If not joking around, we’re discussing upcoming scenes.”
She added, “I’m a big foodie; I don’t even need to say that, as I think it’s clear from comparing Veena in 2018 with Veena now. My acting journey began when I was working as a newsreader in a media house in Ulhasnagar. From there, I started getting local brand commercials, and then came cameo roles in Hindi shows, one of which was Kumkum Bhagya on Zee TV, where I played Bulbul’s (Mrunal Thakur’s) friend. Then my journey in the Marathi entertainment world began. I love food, quick shopping, and travel. Recently, I went on a solo trip to Himachal Pradesh. I enjoy any form of travel, as long as it’s fun. I also enjoy listening to bhajans and reading.”
Veena Jagtap is stepping into a negative role for the first time, so don’t forget to catch Savlyachi Janu Savli every evening at 7pm, only on Zee Marathi.
