After 'Jaane Tu…' only second lead was offered: Manjari said – When she sat vacant for two years, she was about to leave Mumbai, when she got 'The Freelancer' she became emotional

It has been 15 years since Imran Khan and Genelia D'Souza's film 'Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na' was released. Actress Manjari Phadnis was seen as the second lead in the film. The film was quite successful at the box office, although according to Manjari, the success of this film did not help her career.

Recently, during a special conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Manjari told that the kind of projects offered were not at all satisfactory. During the conversation, he also threw light on his recently released webseries 'The Freelancer'. Some highlights of the conversation:

After 'Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na', only second lead roles were offered.

Actually, after 'Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na', I became stereotyped, I used to be offered similar roles. The film got a very good response, I was playing the second lead role in it. I signed the film thinking that I would be a part of a good project. I thought what if I am playing the second lead role in the film, I wanted to show that I can also lead a project. But it did not happen as expected.

After this film, every time I was offered the role of second lead, I was not satisfied at all. I also wanted to do only supporting roles which were impactful and left an impression on the audience. But, such roles were not available. That's why I decided it was better to wait than to accept such a role.

'Jaane Tu Jaane Na' is very close to my heart. If ever the makers make part 2 of this film and offer me a good role in it, I would definitely like to be a part of it.

Imran Khan suddenly disappeared

Imran Khan was a very good co-star. After the film, I wanted to stay in touch with him, which I tried, however, he suddenly disappeared. Every memory with him is very special. He is really a very nice person and I am sure he will make a comeback soon.

'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon' and 'Grand Masti' could not give any benefit

I did films like 'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon' and 'Grand Masti'. Although these films also did not bring much change in my career, they were definitely hits. The audience still remembers my dialogues from these films, this is a good thing. I consider the series 'Barot House' as the turning point in my career.

This project of mine got positive response from both critics and audience. After this, I started getting good work offers on OTT platform. Now I am doing much better than before.

Many times I thought of leaving everything and going to my parents.

I will not deny that I have faced many breaking points in my career so far. Many times I felt like leaving everything and going to Pune to live with my parents. See, living in Mumbai is not easy especially for people like us who live on our own terms. I am very choosy about my work.

After 2017, I had no work for almost two years. In 2019, I called my father and said that I had to return home, my savings were running out. At that time my father supported me and said that I can change the field after completing my studies.

However, I then decided to wait a bit. Then I was offered 'Barot House'. Believe me, whenever such a thought comes, suddenly I get a project offer which increases my expectations.

Wanted to work with Neeraj Pandey sir

I wanted to work with Neeraj Pandey sir for many years. Finally, when I got the audition call for 'The Freelancer', I was very happy. Neeraj sir was auditioning me. Eventually, I was shortlisted.

When I became the finalist, I became very emotional. My character was very strong. I enjoyed this character a lot.