A pan-Indian storyteller shaped by diversity, discipline and depth, Manjari Fadnis opens up about risk, reinvention, and the quiet power of staying true.
By Andrea CostaBir
Your latest film, ‘Pune Highway’, dives into intense psychological territory. What drew you to this script, and how did you prepare for such a raw, contained performance?
I loved the storytelling in the screenplay. Though it’s a murder mystery, it unfolds through the interpersonal dynamics of childhood friends with a strong bond and a shared secret. There are also lighthearted, warm moments, even in the parallel narrative with the investigating cops. It made the film more than just a mystery.
When Bugs (Bhargava) and Rahul (da Cunha) approached me for the role of Natsoo (Natasha), I wanted to be a part of it even before reading the script. I’d worked with Bugs on ‘Barot House’ and ‘Pigeon’; both gave me complex roles that helped break the industry’s stereotype of me. ‘Pune Highway’ does that again, which excited me.
I prepare by writing mini biographies of my characters. I connect present film moments to emotional triggers from their past, even ones I invent if the script doesn’t provide them. A lot of performance comes from what’s not spoken but felt internally.
How was the dynamic on set with the ‘Pune Highway’ team?
From the early readings, the theatre culture that Rahul and Bugs brought in made everyone feel equal. No one was treated like a star, we were all actors, part of one team. On set, it was a blast. Amit was the brat, constantly pulling my leg, he’s talented and wonderful, and we’ve bonded since ‘Barot House’. Jim brought such warm, beautiful energy and ideas. Sudeep, Ketaki, and Swapnil added fun and lightness. I carry very fond memories from the shoot.
From ‘Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na’ to ‘Barot House’ and ‘Freelancer’, your roles span emotion and genre. How do you balance vulnerability and strength in your characters?
I believe true strength comes from vulnerability, when someone feels deeply, yet still chooses to fight and rise. Vulnerability makes us human. So, that balance happens naturally.
You’ve acted in multiple Indian languages. How has that experience shaped your artistic instincts and cultural sensitivity?
Being an Army officer’s daughter and growing up all over India gave me a deep understanding of different cultures. That upbringing shaped my artistic instincts and made me adaptable. Playing characters from different regions felt natural and enriching. Now, performing in any language doesn’t intimidate me.
You’ve moved effortlessly between indie cinema and commercial hits. What drives your project choices — emotional resonance, challenge, or storytelling potential?
Different things at different times. Often, I’m drawn to stories that allow me to explore untapped sides of myself, like ‘Barot House’, ‘Freelancer’, ‘Miya Biwi Aur Murder’, ‘Masoom’, or ‘Pune Highway’. At other times, it could be the director, the production house, or an exciting cast.
For indie projects, I need to fall in love with the script on paper and trust the director completely. I’ve enjoyed working on ‘Chalti Rahe Zindagi’, ‘Khamakha’, and ‘Yeh Dooriyan’, a mini-series we shot at home during the lockdown, which I also co-produced.
Comedy in ‘Grand Masti’, satire in ‘Wah Taj!’, a psychological thriller in ‘Barot House’ — how do you recalibrate across such varied genres?
I try to play every character with honesty. If I can evoke genuine emotion in the audience, I’ve done my job. With comedy, I just have fun. I believe the camera is a sentient being, it captures your vibe. If you’re enjoying yourself, the audience will too.
You’re known for your professionalism and preparation. What role does discipline play in your life?
Discipline is non-negotiable for me professionally. It’s about respecting everyone’s time and talent. Personally, though… haha… ask my mom… I can be quite a brat! I’m a completely spoilt only child, but I try my best to stay disciplined… within reason!
Theatre, dance, and music are part of your foundation. How do they enrich your screen performances?
They’re all part of my soul. Acting, music, and dance are essential to Indian cinema. I’d love to do playback singing for myself again, I last did that in a Tamil film. Singing your own songs is so authentic and refreshing.
From facing the camera as a newcomer to commanding it now — how has your relationship with the lens evolved?
I’ve always loved the camera, and it’s been kind to me in return. The fact that it keeps calling me back, offering better and better roles even after all these years — that means something. I’m truly grateful.
You grew up in an Army family, living across India. How did that shape your worldview and resilience as an actor?
That nomadic life was a blessing. It helped me connect with people from every background. But it also meant rebuilding friendships every few years, which was tough. You learn resilience, how to start over, how to survive. That’s invaluable in this industry.
We Army kids are wired to believe that nothing is impossible. That mindset has kept me going, even when the going got tough.
My family is my rock. I’m an only child, spoiled by loving parents and dog siblings! They gave me the freedom to make my own choices, even if they disagreed. That gave me the courage to take bold decisions, knowing I always had a safe place to land.
You’ve received acclaim while staying away from the trappings of constant visibility. How do you stay grounded in a business built on image?
Maybe because I’m not always in the spotlight, audiences find my characters more believable. My parents and close friends keep me grounded too. Over time, I’ve realised this industry is built on bubbles, neither success nor failure lasts. As long as I get to do the work I love, I’m content.
OTT has changed storytelling dramatically. How has that influenced the roles you choose now?
For a long time, I didn’t have a buffet of options, I chose the best from what was offered. Early on, I felt stuck in stereotypical roles. But with OTT, the shift has been beautiful. I’m finally getting roles with substance.
Whether it’s Bhavna on the verge of a breakdown in ‘Barot House’, Sanjana dealing with abuse and illness in ‘Masoom’, Mrunal in ‘Freelancer’ struggling with dissociative disorder, or Natasha in ‘Pune Highway’ — each character is different and layered. Creatively, this is a fulfilling phase.
To young women navigating ambition, rejection, and self-worth in creative fields — what’s one truth from your own journey you’d want them to carry?
Don’t let rejection define your worth. Casting often has little to do with talent — it’s about so many external factors. The only thing in your control is your craft. Work on that. Believe in yourself, no matter what.
And yes, there will be people in power who may try to exploit you. You can choose not to be exploited. You might lose out on some opportunities. The journey might be slower. But hold on — you will find good people who value real talent. Stay strong. Be tougher than the tough days.
