Priyanka Lalwani, known for her role in TV show Jamai Raja, talks about her journey

What made you move from event management to acting?

Actually, I started with modelling and got into acting and anchoring later. Later, I met some friends who were into event management, so we worked together for a couple years. One day I decided that I wanted to get back to what I initially wanted to do, that is acting. So, I decided to give it a shot.

How easy or difficult was it to make it to the showbiz?

It was and still is a struggle. I don’t come from a film background, so when I had moved to Mumbai initially, I didn’t know a lot of people. My event management contacts and a few friends in the city guided me. If you’re from Mumbai or know someone from the industry, things become easier.

There are too many actors with the name Priyanka. Does that bother you?

Remember William Shakespeare’s philosophy, “What’s in a name?” I believe in that as well. It doesn’t really bother me. Each one of us is unique.

You are also a hand model. How did that happen?

I feel this happened because it was supposed to. I knew that I had decent hands but didn’t know that I could try something like hand modelling as well. I remember going for an ad audition and they asked me if I would want to do hand modelling. I was unaware of this but thought why not try this out as well.

How did you get your first break on TV?

I got my first break on television with Zee TV’s Jamai Raja. I had shared my pictures with some casting directors, and one of them was working for the show. Later, I was called for an audition and bagged the part of an interpreter in the show.

Why didn’t you take up more work on TV after Jamai Raja?

It’s not like I didn’t give auditions. In fact, I gave a lot of auditions and I still do the same. But things didn’t work out the way I hoped it would. Sometimes I didn’t like the part that was offered to me, while other times I got rejected.

You played the character of a host in Vikram Bhatt’s Spotlight 2. Right?

Yes, my character is seen hosting a concert. Doing the role was quite fun. It was like a real meeting the reel. My experience as a host came in handy while working on this project.

What has the pandemic taught you?

It’s been a tough two years for all. Amid the crisis, I’m grateful for having a roof over my head, food on my plate and a healthy family. I tried not to feel low and kept myself occupied. I stayed close to my family and friends. This situation has taught me to be more compassionate.