Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal Interview
"I was sobbing in a mall bathroom when a girl said, ‘Why isn’t she smiling?’ — people forget we’re human too."
When fans recognize me, call out my name, and shower me with affection, it fills me with joy and a sense of fulfillment.
1. What inspired you to enter the entertainment industry, and how has the journey been so far?
Honestly, nothing in particular inspired me initially—I was a housewife. I got married in 2001, and since I was a Kathak dancer and had done theater, my husband encouraged me to send my pictures to a magazine called G.R.A.T., which was a popular magazine for television at the time. My first photoshoot led to my first selection, and soon I started receiving calls from Mumbai for auditions and film opportunities.
With my husband’s support, I moved to Mumbai, and of course, I struggled for four and a half years, doing small roles. Eventually, I landed Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, and the rest is history.
My journey has been beautiful, inspiring, and motivating. I truly believe it’s not me who led this journey—it was God who directed my steps and took care of me. I feel incredibly lucky and blessed, and I’m grateful for the beautiful path I’ve walked so far.
2. How do you choose the projects you take on? What kind of roles excite you the most?
When I choose a project, my priority is my family’s happiness. I want my roles to make my family and audience happy, and the project should also align with my personal schedule, allowing me time with my husband and daughter.
The role itself needs to inspire me. I dream of portraying strong, protagonist-type women or unique characters—someone with special needs, or an eccentric, angry, or very comical woman. I’ve always been inspired by powerful female performances in Indian cinema, like Sridevi in Sadma or Urmila Matondkar in Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya and Lajja. Those kinds of roles truly motivate me.
Above all, I’d love to do comedy—something that brings joy to people and makes me happy while performing. That’s my dream, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for opportunities like that.
3. Were there any defining moments or turning points in your career that you'd like to share?
Absolutely. One major turning point was when I moved to Mumbai at my husband’s insistence. I had never imagined pursuing acting, but I decided to give it a shot. I began attending auditions, and when my husband got a job in Pune, we moved there in 2004, but I continued trying my luck in Mumbai.
In 2008, I received a call for an audition for Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, and I was selected. That was a defining moment for me. Another significant phase was when I took a break for my pregnancy and focused on my daughter for three years. When the actress playing my role left the show, I got the chance to return. During that time, I also worked on projects like Naagin, Airlift, and short films like Crazy Four and Halla Bol. I’m grateful for these opportunities and excited for what’s next.
4. How do you manage work-life balance, especially while being in the public eye?
Managing work-life balance is definitely a challenge. During my previous show, I had a relatively flexible schedule with 15-20 shooting days a month, which allowed me to spend quality time with my family, daughter, and husband.
However, being in the public eye can be tricky. People often assume I’m exactly like my on-screen character and live in that fictional world. They don’t realize I’m a person with my own life and struggles. For instance, I remember when my father suffered his third paralytic attack—I was devastated. I was crying in a mall bathroom when a girl spotted me and told her mother I wasn’t smiling, unaware of what I was going through. That incident taught me that people will judge you no matter what.
As an actor and homemaker, I handle household chores myself—grocery shopping, cleaning, gardening—and I actually enjoy it. While it’s hard for others to understand my dual roles, I’ve learned to prioritize my own happiness without worrying about constantly explaining myself.
5. What advice would you give to young aspiring actors who wish to make it big?
My advice would be: always be yourself—authentic, genuine, and 100% natural. Hard work and faith in God are essential. Surrender to God’s will, because what is meant for you will always find you. God never lets hard work go to waste.
Trust Him, work hard, let go of unnecessary worries, and success will follow. Keep a positive attitude towards your goals, and they’ll manifest. Most importantly, have pure intentions. Success in any field, including this industry, is impossible with bad intentions. If your heart is in the right place, everything will align. Talent, resources, and luck may vary, but how you behave and treat others matters the most. Be cordial and friendly—it makes a world of difference.
6. Who or what keeps you grounded and motivated during tough times?
Spirituality is what keeps me grounded—my life would feel incomplete without it. I practice various healing modalities like Reiki, radical healing, Access Bars, and meditation. Yoga and gardening also help me stay centered.
My husband is my constant support system, and my daughter motivates me immensely. During tough times, these practices and the love of my family help me stay positive and balanced. I’m truly grateful for my husband and daughter; they are my pillars of strength.
7. What does success mean to you today, and how has that definition evolved over time?
For me, success isn’t about material things like money or property. It’s about the love and appreciation I receive from people. When fans recognize me, call out my name, and shower me with affection, it fills me with joy and a sense of fulfillment.
As an actor, it’s deeply rewarding to know I’ve been able to touch people’s lives, even in a small way. But what I value most is staying grounded despite the love and fame. I strive to remain kind, smile genuinely, and connect with everyone I meet. That’s what makes success truly meaningful for me, and I’m grateful for all the love I’ve received. I do my best to give it back to those who have supported me.
Bio:
Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal hails from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Her father, Nariman D. Mistry, was a bank officer who passed away while Jennifer was pregnant. Her mother, a Christian, worked as a staff nurse. Jennifer has two surviving siblings, Adil and herself, having lost her younger brother Ronald and sister Dimple.
She is married to Mayur Bansiwal, an actor known for his work in web series, ad films, digital content, and movies. The couple met through work and married in a love marriage. They have a daughter, Letisha, who is active in sports such as cricket, gymnastics, and karate.
Jennifer herself is a black belt in karate and a trained Kathak dancer with an eight-year diploma. She has also studied folk music for two years. Academically accomplished, she holds a Master’s degree in English Literature as well as an M.Com. Her education and upbringing took place in Jabalpur before she moved to Mumbai in 2004 to pursue acting.
Her big break came in 2008 with Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, and since then, she has continued to make her mark in the entertainment industry.
Interviewed by: Gurbani Kaur
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
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