2025 has been a year of milestones for Janki Bodiwala. With Vash Level 2 adding to her growing list of hit films, the actress, who won a National Award and completed 10 years in the industry, says, “I will forever be grateful to 2025.” Excerpts from a chat:

For me, 2025 has been an exceptional year. At the beginning of the year, I was completely clueless about what would happen. But somehow, getting nominated for Shaitaan at several prestigious awards, winning some, and winning a National Award— all these things were unexpected. When I got to know that Vash had won the National Award for Best Gujarati Film, I was very happy. The very next moment, I got to know that I had won the National Award too (Best Supporting Actress), and I couldn’t believe it. That feeling is still sinking in. Taking my parents with me to the ceremony and standing in front of the who’s who of the entertainment industry felt like a dream.

This year, I completed 10 years in the industry, with Chhello Divas also completing a decade. A decade ago, if I were to tell that Janki, who had just started her career, that she would achieve so many accolades in 10 years, I don’t think she would believe it. I don’t think anyone would, because the industry was at a very nascent stage. Today, I realize how far I have come, but there is still a long way to go. I remain grateful to Krishnadev Yagnik, who believed in me and gave me Vash, which led to Shaitaan and Vash Level 2, all of which made this year one of the best years of my life.

In 2026, I want to press a restart button — for myself, my persona, and my career too. It is the beginning of a new decade for me. While I have received recognition and awards for whatever I have done in the past, now is the time to do something newer and bigger. I know most of it isn’t in my hands, but I will try and do different things. On the personal front, while I am an introvert and usually shy around people, I want to change that. I want to build a different side of Janki, who’s bolder. 2026 will start on an exciting note, as Mardaani 3 will be released soon. Also, having worked in Bollywood, I have had my own share of learnings and experiences. I will carry that forward while I enter the new industry.

I am not a party person; I am an out-and-out introvert. Since 2010, I have had, like, six friends, and most of them have moved out of the country. Pichhle teen saal se main aur meri dost 12 baje ek swing pe baith ke New Year welcome karte hain (laughs). Then, I wear a mask and take a stroll around CG Road to see how people celebrate the night. I like to be surrounded by my loved ones while welcoming the New Year. That’s how it will be this year as well.

Janki shares, "On January 1, 2025, I was clueless about what I would do. But today, I am sure of how I will start my 2026. So, there is a big difference—I have clarity about what I want to do. 2025 started and ended on very different notes for me. The year also taught me not to expect anything and to keep working hard towards my aim. When you do that, everything else follows, so it’s important to believe in the process."

On her hopes for the Gujarati film industry, she shares, "This year has shown what our industry is capable of. All the films have been received well. In 2026, I want to do a good film that caters to all kinds of audiences. Also, I hope it earns at least 50 per cent of what the highest grossing film of this year did (smiles)."