Manasi Parekh: After the National Award, people have suddenly started taking me seriously
Manasi Parekh
has always chosen the road less travelled. While many in her place might have waited for mainstream validation, she focused on carving her own path, particularly within the Gujarati industry.
After producing and starring in Kutch Express, directed by Viral Shah, which earned her the Best Actress
National Award
last year, things began to shift for her professionally. She will soon be seen in Maharani, backed by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, marking her second collaboration with Viral. The film explores the dynamic between a house help and her employer.
Manasi with Shraddha Dangar in a still from Maharani
Reflecting on her journey, in a chat with Mumbai Mirror, she shares, 'After
Uri
, I honestly didn't get as many interesting roles in Hindi as I had hoped. But I'm very enterprising, so instead of complaining, I decided to create opportunities for myself. When you're following your inner voice and not walking a path already taken, people tend to misjudge you. Bahot logon ko lagta hai, Gujarati mein kya kar legi?'
That realisation prompted her to return to her roots.
She says, 'I'm Gujarati, and I love my language. I thought, why not start something here? I began taking small steps. Kutch Express was our second production, and it went on to win three National Awards. That's when people started taking me seriously. They realised I wasn't just talking; I was letting my work speak.'
The recognition, she says, has brought both respect and renewed faith in her artistic choices. She says, 'I worked hard for this.
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I made sure to back scripts that gave women a voice. As a producer, I was clear about that. And as an actor, I've always tried to create space for myself without imitating anyone else. That's what led to the National Award. Post that, there's a greater sense of respect and trust in my work. People have begun to see that I'm here for the long haul.
'
Now that expectations have grown, does it feel like an added responsibility? She replies, 'Absolutely, but it's not a burden.
I don't let it become this image I have to maintain. I don't suddenly start taking myself too seriously just because I've won a National Award. That mindset can be a trap. I've seen so many people get caught up in the image game, thinking this is my brand, this is how I should project myself. But that's not sustainable.
Aaj hai, kal nahi hoga. Over my 20-year journey, I've seen people come and go. Some achieve great things and then disappear. So, the only thing you can do is stay humble, work hard, show up on time, and be professional. If you stick to these fundamental values, everything else will follow.'
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