Lucky Mehta on bagging Jaanaki, "My father told me whatever the situation never cheat with your profession"

Lucky Mehta is playing parallel lead and a very important role in Subhash Ghai's show Jaanaki, which is currently on air on Jio Cinema and Doordarshan. It said success doesn't come without paying the price for that, and Lucky had paid a big price for the same. This Kota girl from Rajasthan has already done shows like Dev, Bakula Hua Ka Bhoot, Hamari Bahu Rajnikant, Swaragini, Jai Santoshi Maa and more. 

Here is Lucky's journey so far, in her words. 

How did you bag Jaanaki? 

Lucky- This show came up while I was losing so much; yes, you heard it right. My father was in ICU when I got call for Jaanaki. I was not mentally ready even to give test for role but my father told me whatever the situation never cheat with your profession. I made the audition video from ICU room without any makeup, and by evening, I was finalized. I came to Mumbai and met with Subhash Ghai, sir. He finalized me, and then I shot for 2-3 days. After I got to know father was on ventilator, I ran back to Rajasthan. 

What is your character in the show? And what made you say yes to it? 

My character's name is Madhu. She is Forster, mother of Jaanaki (lead actress), who raises a girl child with all her heart. Madhu is a strong and emotional woman with values. She loves her husband and respects father-in-law, and Jaanaki is like the world to her. I took this show because it's like real challenge for me. I got to play all age group in this character of Madhu. From newly married women to women with grey hair in Jaanaki.

How's working with Subhash Ghai's team and experience as an individual with Subhash ji? 

As I said earlier, after shooting for 2-3 days, I got news that my father is on ventilator, and I ran back to my hometown. I was with him for 10 days before I lost him. Thought I had just shot for 2-3 days, any other production house would have easily replaced me, but they waited for me. Subhash Ghai sir have been like a mentor to me; he gave me the confidence to get back to work after I lost my papa. On the fifth day, I was shooting as I promised my father I would never cheat my profession, so I kept my promise. Production is like a family for me they were always there for me.

As Jaanaki is on air, what kind of response are you getting? Any memorable incidents or comments? 

Jaanaki is getting very good response, people are liking the show, as well as my character. I keep getting calls from my relatives and friends saying, they like my performance. Even Subhash Ghai sir liked my work, and it's a kind of achievement. The moment Subhash Ghai sir commented on Instagram on a BTS video saying YOU ARE GOOD ACTOR, that was memorable for me. 

How did you start your acting journey? 

I always wanted to be an actor. One day, I decided to leave Rajasthan and moved to Mumbai. It's like Shah Rukh Khan's movie famous dialogue "Jab Kisi Cheez Ko Shiddat Se Chaho Woh Mil Hi Jaati Hai." I had to convince everyone for same, but thankfully, my family showed trust in me and never stopped me from moving ahead in life. 

How easy/ difficult or different do you find alone in a city like Mumbai?

Yeah, I will say it was so difficult in my initial days. I came to Mumbai without my family's consent and had little money with me. I was unable to find place to live in my budget. I still remember I stayed whole night outside a chai tapri with luggage; that was also kind of experience. But very next day, I found space. Being from non-filmy background, no relatives in Mumbai, no filmy connection. These all were small obstacles for me as my mind was focused. As soon as I found a place to live, I started searching for work from Facebook, and it really worked for me, as within 15 days, I was working.

Do you feel you haven't received as much appreciation compared to your work? 

I believe in hard work and dedication, and I am doing so, when time will come, will get appreciation, too, and my work will get recognized. Never know, after this interview, I might get recognized.