Exclusive: Kaatelal and Sons fame Manav Soneji recalls why he quit martial arts practice and became an actor

Actor Manav Soneji recalled being a martial artist in the past and a surgery made him quit it and pursue acting.
While talking to ETimes TV, the Kaatelal and Sons fame spoke about how he became an actor. He said, “It was destiny! I was a back-bencher, not good in studies and I am also a martial artist with a black belt. In 2014, I had a major surgery and the doctor said that I won’t be able to do martial arts.I told my mom and dad that I wanted to try acting. The only thing they said was ‘do whatever you want, we are with you'. By God’s grace it’s been 10 years and I am making sure to work with all my heart and give my 100%.”
When asked how his journey in showbiz happened, Manav said, “My dad worked as an actor in Gujarati theatre and he was the one who encouraged me to pursue acting. After struggling for a while, I looked for some production houses online and went for auditions. That’s how I landed my first project. It was the show, Bal Gopal. I was selected among 70 boys. Even today I am thankful to Shakti Singh for giving me my first break.”
On the show that gave him the limelight, Manav said, “The character I played in every show has its own different flavor. But I can say comedy has always been a huge part of my life as well as career. In Anandibaa Aur Emily, playing the role of Jaman Patel was much needed.” When Kaatelal and Sons went off-air, it was pretty heartbreaking for him. Manav added, “Kaatelal and Sons was a much loved show but everything has its end. Obviously it is always heartbreaking when your show goes off air because you the whole team worked so hard to make a show. When you finally get to know the show is going off air, it is heartbreaking. But that’s life.”

He is currently doing web shows and said, “An actor is just hungry for work. If it’s a TV show, web series or a movie, I give my 100% in whatever platform I perform. Whatever comes up to me I give my best. 2023 is coming up with 3 webseries and a film. I hope people will give the same love as my character in these different projects. Hope for the best.”
Talking about struggles in an actor’s life and future aspirations, Manav said, “Struggle is much needed because I feel if you are not struggling for something you will take it for granted. I would love to work with bigger and better projects and just keep on working with all my heart, and I always pray, ‘Kisike paas kaam ki kami na ho’.”
Manav has done shows like 'Mere Sai', 'Akbar', 'Tedi Medhi Family', 'Badi Door Se Aaye Hai', and more.