Jinal Joshi - From Middle-Class Dreams To The Silver Screen (The Actress From 'Tu Zakhm Hai' and Influencer With 1.2 Million Followers)

"I asked the cab driver to take a U-turn, and that's how I left my dream of NIFT behind to chase my destiny in acting." 

1. What sparked your passion for acting and led you to pursue it professionally?

Like many children, I dreamt of becoming an actor multiple times, but coming from a middle-class family with no exposure to the entertainment industry, it never felt practical. While pursuing other career goals, I participated in a few college projects where I did a photoshoot and a short skit for friends. That’s when I first realized I looked decent on camera.

Despite this spark, I considered it an unattainable dream. I even cleared the entrance exam for NIFT to pursue fashion designing. However, fate intervened when I auditioned for Actor Prepares. Initially, I thought I hadn’t made it. But on my way to pay the NIFT course fee, I received the call confirming my selection. I asked the cab driver to take a U-turn, and that moment changed my life.

2. What challenges did you face early in your acting career?

Pursuing an unconventional career comes with judgments and challenges. Convincing my family was particularly hard, especially after I had spent all my savings on my acting diploma at Actor Prepares.

Once in the industry, I struggled to navigate the complexities—finding genuine opportunities, building a portfolio, and avoiding fraudulent individuals. There were moments when I had to abruptly leave meetings or confront people with questionable intentions.

However, I eventually found like-minded people and mentors. It was a tough journey, but those struggles shaped me into who I am today.

3. How did your training at Actor Prepares shape your approach to acting?

Actor Prepares was instrumental in helping me understand myself and build a solid foundation. It taught me the technical aspects of acting and the importance of emotional fluidity within structured environments.

I still revisit my notes and incorporate exercises I learned during the course. It truly prepared me to pursue what once felt like an impossible dream.

4. How do you prepare for diverse roles, and do you have a favorite medium?

At this stage in my career, I don't have the luxury of choosing roles or collaborators. Instead, I focus on respecting those who believe in me and ensure that the projects align with my career goals.

As for the medium, my ultimate goal is to reach a broad audience. While I aspire to work on the big screen, I give my all regardless of whether my work is viewed on TV or a smartphone.

5. Who are some of the actors or filmmakers who inspire you?

I find inspiration in every interaction and experience. Observing human emotions, even in challenging situations, has been a learning process for me.

Professionally, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible directors like Vivek Sharma, Aniruddha Rajderkar, and Ram Madhvani, who taught me the importance of discipline and dedication. Co-stars like Gashmeer Mahajani and others have also been invaluable sources of learning.

6. What advice would you give to aspiring actors without industry connections?

My advice is simple: stay honest, be persistent, and don’t let rejections define you. Building genuine relationships is key, and over time, those connections can pave the way for your success.

7. Can you tell us about your upcoming projects?

I’ve completed filming two diverse projects—one is a feature film, and the other is a finite web series. While I can’t reveal much, audiences can look forward to seeing me in a love triangle and as a villager caught in the midst of chaos.

8. If you could star in a remake of any classic film, which one would it be and why?

If a classic film remake is done with respect to the original, I’d be ready to take on the challenge. It would be an honor to be part of such a project.

Bio:

Jinal Joshi, born on July 7, 1997, in Mumbai, India, is an Indian actress, model, and social media influencer. She completed her Bachelor's in Mass Media from the University of Mumbai and honed her acting skills at Anupam Kher's Acting School.

Jinal has appeared in various web films, OTT shows, music videos, short films, TV commercials, and skits. Notable works include feature films titled ‘Chanchal’ and ‘Pyaar Ishq aur Possession’

the web series "Tu Zakhm Hai" on MX Player, the short film "Mutually" on Disney+ Hotstar, and the music video "Satrangi Rani." She has also featured in advertisements, such as the Airtel Safe Pay campaign.

As a social media influencer, Jinal boasts over 5 million followers across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, MOJ, Snapchat, and YouTube. Her Instagram account, @jinal.j.j, has garnered more than 1 million followers, where she shares modeling shots and engages with her audience.

Jinal's dedication to her craft and her growing popularity in the entertainment industry have established her as a prominent figure among Indian actresses and influencers.

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Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh

Edited by: Shantanu Singh