MUMBAI: A fresh twist is about to shake things up in Jamai No. 1 produced by Prateek Sharma and Parth Shah's Studio LSD with the entry of actress Sonal Vengurlekar, who will be seen playing Saili, the childhood best friend of the lead character portrayed by Abhishek Malik. Known for her previous work in Lekar Hum Deewana Dil and Doree, Sonal is all set to bring new emotional depth and drama to the storyline.
Speaking about her character, Sonal shared, “I can’t reveal much at this stage, but I play Saili, a Maharashtrian girl who has been the hero’s best friend since childhood. There’s a one-sided love angle from my character’s side, which will add emotional complexity and tension to the narrative.” She continued, “I connect with Saili on a personal level because I am Maharashtrian myself. Though I’ve played similar characters before, this one stands out with her introduction — I enter wearing a traditional nauvari sari, which brings cultural authenticity to the role.”
While Saili may not be entirely different from Sonal’s past roles, she believes the nuances and emotional backstory provide depth. “The backstory is crucial — both for the audience and the actor. Knowing the emotional journey makes it easier to portray the character truthfully. Saili’s bond with the male lead is rooted in years of friendship, and her unrequited love adds layers of drama that will surely connect with viewers.”
On the impact of new entries in long-running shows, Sonal commented, “Any new track or cameo helps push the story forward. It refreshes the narrative and adds excitement.” However, she also opened up about the uncertainties plaguing the television industry in recent years. “TV has become unpredictable, especially post-lockdown. We actors just keep giving auditions and hope for the best — the rest is destiny. The medium tends to typecast, which doesn’t happen as much in films or web series. Still, TV remains a strong platform, especially financially.”
She candidly addressed some of the challenges in today’s television landscape. “Budgets have dropped since the lockdown, and now, many newcomers with limited acting training are being cast at lower costs. This can affect a show’s quality. That said, sometimes, a fresh face is exactly what a show needs.”
Jamai No. 1 also stars Simaran Kaur and Abhishek Malik in lead roles, and with Sonal Vengurlekar’s entry, viewers can expect compelling new developments. Sharing her excitement, she said, “This is my first time working with producers Prateek Sharma and Parth Shah’s Studio LSD, and it’s been a great experience so far.”
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