Exclusive: "I used to travel from Uran to Mumbai via boat on an everyday basis just to get work in entertainment industry," says Marathi actress Veena Jamkar

Popular film actress Veena Jamkar recently made her debut on Marathi television with the TV show Chotya Bayochi Mothhi Swapna. Veena entertained the viewers with her performances in popular films like Lalbaugchi Rani, Taptapadi, among others and now the actress is all set to treat the viewers with her acting skills on television. In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Veena spoke about her work experience in the industry, her struggling days, her television debut, and why an actress should focus more on her work than social media.

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

Talking about her work experience from films to now television, Veena said, "I feel so blessed that I got all challenging roles in my life. People always say that TV actors do not get challenging roles in their lives but in my case, I got the role of Bharti in Chotya Bayochi Motthi Swapna which has many shades. My career from films to television has been tremendous."

Talking about her struggle in the initial days of her life, Veena got emotional and reminisced about her past. Veena said, "I used to live in Uran which is a coastal part of Mumbai. I would travel from Uran to Mumbai on an everyday basis via boat. After reaching home, I would do all the household chores, and then the next morning it's the same story. But I had decided to be an actress and I worked hard. I feel people nowadays see the glamour and fame of actors but forget how the actors have worked hard to reach there. I feel all actors work hard till the end of their lives. I am from a really small district. Earlier, people would also laugh at me when I would tell them that I want to become an actress. It was obvious because I did not know anyone in Mumbai but had only dreams in my eyes."

Veena said that television is more challenging than films. She said, "Since I started shooting for Chotya Bayochi Motthi Swapna, I realised that television is more challenging than films."

Veena further spoke about why social media and work both are important. She said, "I think along with the work, the presence on social media is also important. When I entered the industry there were no OTT and web series. At that time people had very limited content for entertainment but now we have tons of web series, films, and serials to watch out for. We don't even have enough time to watch them. On the other hand, there are cons to social media also. If you don't have work and you will keep posting pictures and videos on social media that does not make sense. I feel only photoshoots and videos don't help in the long run. An actor should know how to keep the balance between work projects and social media."

"I am playing the role of Bharti who is a responsible mother and wants to fulfill the dreams of her little daughter Bayo. I think people, who reached the heights of success, have definitely worked hard and struggled more and that is what the show is all about. Bayo is from a small village and she wants to be a doctor where the availabilities are lesser. I am sure the viewers would love the show and the serious emotional concept," says the senior actress.

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar