The year 2025 has been nothing short of a dream for actress Janki Bodiwala. Marked by a prestigious National Award, the success of Vash Level 2, and the completion of a significant decade in the entertainment industry, Bodiwala describes it as an exceptional chapter she will "forever be grateful" for. In an exclusive chat, the actress opened up about her journey, the surreal award moment, and her vision for a transformative 2026.
A Year of Unbelievable Accolades
Janki Bodiwala admits she began 2025 with little anticipation of the triumphs that awaited her. The year brought multiple award nominations for her performance in Shaitaan, leading to several wins and culminating in the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. "When I learned Vash won Best Gujarati Film, I was thrilled. The very next moment, I discovered I had won too. I couldn't believe it," she shares, noting that the feeling is still sinking in.
One of the most cherished memories was attending the grand ceremony with her parents. Standing before the luminaries of Indian cinema felt like a dream come true, a poignant moment that underscored her journey from a newcomer to a nationally recognized artist.
A Decade of Growth and Gratitude
2025 also marks a full ten years since her debut in the industry, coinciding with the decade milestone of the beloved film Chhello Divas. Reflecting on her growth, Bodiwala states that the Janki of 2015 would never have believed the accolades she would achieve. "The industry was at a very nascent stage then. Today, I realise how far I have come, but there is still a long way to go," she remarks with humility.
She reserves special gratitude for director Krishnadev Yagnik, whose belief in her led to the film Vash. This project became a catalyst, paving the way for Shaitaan and its sequel Vash Level 2, collectively making 2025 one of the best years of her life.
Pressing the Restart Button for 2026
As she steps into a new decade of her career, Janki Bodiwala is eager to hit the restart button. "While I have received recognition for the past, now is the time to do something newer and bigger," she asserts. Her plan involves exploring different roles and consciously building a bolder, more outgoing side of her personality, despite being a self-professed introvert.
The new year starts on an exciting note with the impending release of Mardaani 3. Having gained valuable experience working in Bollywood, she intends to carry those learnings forward as she ventures into new creative spaces.
Personal Celebrations and Industry Hopes
True to her introverted nature, Bodiwala prefers intimate New Year celebrations with loved ones over large parties. Her unique tradition involves welcoming the midnight hour on a swing with a close friend, followed by a masked stroll to observe the festivities on Ahmedabad's CG Road.
Looking ahead, she expresses immense hope for the Gujarati film industry, buoyed by its successful run in 2025. "This year has shown what our industry is capable of," she says. Her professional wish for 2026 is to star in a film that appeals to a wide audience and achieves substantial box office success, aiming for at least half the revenue of the year's highest-grossing hit.
Janki Bodiwala concludes by highlighting the profound personal shift 2025 brought. "On January 1, 2025, I was clueless. Today, I am sure of how I will start my 2026," she shares. The year taught her the power of hard work without expectation and the importance of believing in the process—a lesson that has clearly paved her path to success.
