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)." 

Chhello Divas is no Bey Yaar. The Gujarati film, that is making waves and shown almost everywhere in Mumbai this week (and running successfully) is strictly an okay film. It begins on a great note but sadly, the film has no plotline as such. Nothing quite happens in the film and the protagonists are just seen making merry, pulling each other’s leg and even literally hitting each other. After a point, these things become repetitive. A major calamity happens that really makes one sit up but it is just added for the heck of it. It serves no purpose at all! On the positive side, the film has really funny moments that are sure to bring the house down. The coffee date scene is one of the funniest scenes ever! Speaking of performances, Malhar Thakar (Vicky) and Yash Soni (Nikhil/Nik) are very good. Aarjav Trivedi (Dhulo) plays a very unique character, with aplomb. Janki Bodiwala (Nisha) excels. An above average fare and surely it had the potential to be much better!

My rating - ** ½ out of 5!

THE LULL BEFORE THE STORM!

2 of the year’s biggest releases – Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani – are all set to clash next Friday. As expected, this Friday, there’s a calm with hardly 2 insignificant Hindi releases hitting theatres. After all, who would release their film a week before one of the greatest box office clashes ever? However, on second thoughts, haven’t we seen small time producers cashing on the drought period before a biggie by releasing their films along with 5-6 other movies? Something similar could have happened this week too. But surprisingly, it hasn’t. Interestingly, 4-5 films could have got accommodated this Friday as the previous week’s releases are slowly losing steam. Tamasha has fallen in Week 2 while Hate Story 3 won’t excel much from tomorrow.

Interestingly, at least in Mumbai, theatres are going to show some unusual kind of films. The Gujarati film Chhello Divas that has slowly picked up momentum will be shown in lots of theatres in the city from tomorrow, even in places like Dadar where predominantly only Hindi and Marathi films are played. PVR and Cinemax theatres are playing some popular Yash Raj Films movies like Chak De India, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi! Telegu film Bengal Tiger too will see an unusually wide release. What all theatrewallahs have to do to ensure people flock to their plexes!

However, all will change next week. All these films will vanish to give way to the 2 BIG event films. Just 7 more days to go…are you ready?