Mumbai: Sayli Salunkhe has carved a unique path in the entertainment industry, garnering attention for her work in both television and digital platforms. Starting her career in the Marathi entertainment industry, she made a name for herself through her acting prowess in various Marathi TV serials and films. Her natural talent and charm won her praise, eventually propelling her into more prominent roles.
Sayli gained widespread recognition through her performances in popular Marathi TV shows like Chhatriwali and Swarajya Janani Jijamata, where she showcased her range as an actress. Her ability to portray emotional depth and connect with the audience allowed her to stand out. This success laid the foundation for her transition to Hindi television, where she became a household name.
In the Hindi TV space, her role in Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali was a significant turning point. Playing Pallavi Deshmukh, Sayli captivated the audience with her nuanced portrayal of a strong-willed yet compassionate character. The show’s popularity gave her pan-India recognition, and she became a fan favorite, further boosting her career.She is well recorded for professional outings in Bohot Pyaar Karte Hai, Baatein Kuch Ankahi Si and Pukaar to name a few.
Beyond television, Sayli has also explored opportunities in web series and films, showcasing her versatility across different media. Her journey is marked by determination, dedication to her craft, and a consistent effort to challenge herself with diverse roles. As she continues to evolve, Sayli Salunkhe’s growing influence in the entertainment industry reflects her passion and adaptability in an ever-changing field. In a freewheeling chat with The Lucknow Tribune she delves deeper into why her parents are her bedrock. Amd why challenging roles give her the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Do share with us a little about your journey in the entertainment world?
Oh, this is interesting. So, of course, there are very few people who decide from childhood that we have to do this. But I never thought that I’ll enter this industry, enter this world of entertainment. Yes, I have always dreamed of becoming a dancer. I always wanted to be a dancer. But all of a sudden, you know, everyone has a 360 degree turn in life. It’s like, oh my god, what has happened? So that turn came and all of a sudden I entered this world which I think I enjoy. You know, I feel and my dad always says this thing.
That choose your profession in a way that you enjoy. You know, you enjoy your work. That gives you happiness. And I feel that this is the thing that gives me happiness. And that’s how seven years in this industry. And yeah, I’m enjoying.I mean, I don’t have a single regret that why did I do it? And I never feel like, oh my god, what is happening? How will we do it? You know, just enjoying. And this journey has been very easy. It has been very beautiful.
Obviously, ups and downs come in everyone’s journey. And I’ve had ups and downs in my journey. (1:24) But you know, always in this industry or the work that I get. That they have always supported me or made me. It’s just because of all the work I’ve done. And it’s always challenging that what will you do next? What else will you do? So I started with television. And I want to show my audience. So I just want to show the world. My whole fans, my whole team.
I just want to show them that. So I just want to explore a lot more. And be able to enjoy. And reach more people’s hearts.
How do you see the support of your family in your overall growth?
You know, my family is everything for me. Since I was young, I always wanted to be a dancer. My dad, he always said that, Sahili, do something that you enjoy. You know, you’ll have fun. So, if I wanted to dance, my dad got me admitted to a dance class. When I wanted to do something in any sport or any activity, like fencing, he always supported me.
I was into handball, he always supported me. I was interested in drawing, he always supported me. So, whenever I needed anything, he always supported me. He never said no to anything. You know, same goes with my mom. Whenever there was any problem, she was always there with me, like my friends. And I always feel that my parents have become my friends. So, they are my good friends. That is the best part about my parents.
They have always thought that, before parents, we are their friends. Because of which, kids have that line, how to tell, how to share a thing, or how to say it. It should never be awkward.
So, they have always taken care of that. They have always taken care of that. And today, whenever there is any problem, I feel that, first, I share it with my friends. First, I share it with my parents. Then, I share it with my friends. So, they know everything about my life.
Everything I share with them. And today, if I am here, it’s just because of them. Because there are very few parents, who support their kids to come into this industry. Especially girls. My dad is a cop. And their mentality is so open-minded, that they know, they trust me.
They trust their daughters. And for them, they are very cool. I don’t mind if I have two daughters. Yes, I am proud. They have always raised me as their son. And that’s what I like about my parents. They flaunt their pride about us. That these are my two daughters. And we are happy.
We are a very happy family. So, today, if I am here, it’s just because of my parents. And my sister.
What do you see in your roles when you are handed over a script?
See, let me be very honest. If you talk about television, Look, I’ll say something very simple. In every show, every lead of the television is very similar somewhere.
So I won’t say that, oh my god, I saw this and chose this. Sorry, we are nobody to choose. 80-90% people don’t have options in television.
We just want to get the show. So, yeah, it’s just that it should be good and challenging. Rest, we are pitched from the beginning..
And when we are pitched, I just want that it should be different from my previous show so that it becomes challenging for me and I enjoy working on it. And rest, you all can see, all the leads of the television are similar somewhere. Their qualities are very similar. So you don’t get a lot of opportunities to do something different . How can you develop the character? (1:04) Or how can you show the character?
