Watch: How Sunita Rajwar Established Her Ground As A Character Artist

Sunita Raajwar's journey from a small town to Mumbai city relied heavily on one aspect - her grit to go after her dreams. Rajwar, who believes 'Gullak' was a turning point in her career, has several films and shows to her credit. Born in Bareilly, UP, and raised in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, until the age of 25, Sunita Rajwar recalls her father, who, despite not being highly educated, ensured that his children received the best education possible. She credits him for nurturing her love for theatre from a young age by taking the family to theatres every Friday. "My father's passion for theatre ignited my own interest in drama," she says.

Nainital To Delhi, Delhi To Mumbai - The Journey To Entertainment

Her early performances in school, Ram Leelas, and dance competitions further fueled her passion for the stage. It was during her college days in Nainital that she caught the attention of a National School of Drama (NSD) alumnus, who was scouting for talented female artists for his play. "That was the turning point," she recalls, as she was encouraged to join NSD and pursue acting professionally.

With determination, Rajwar moved to Delhi to pursue her dreams. Three years at NSD honed her skills, preparing her for the challenges ahead. Mumbai beckoned next, where with a sum of Rs. 30,000 relied on references from friends to secure roles in theatres, small shows, and episodic roles.

Her big break came with the popular TV show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, but before and after that she did all kinds of roles and showcased her versatility by portraying characters of all shades, from positive to negative, and from small to big roles. Reflecting on those days, she expresses gratitude for every opportunity, acknowledging that each role contributed to her growth as an actor.

Her journey in the film industry began with Ek Chalis Ki Last Local and continued with notable films like Stree, Kedarnath, and Shubh Mangal Savdhan. 

How Gullak Changed Her Life

“I was already working on a TV show when I got called for an audition. After the audition, I was called back and asked to redo five scenes. They called me a couple more times, and when they felt I was right for the role, I got it. We did some workshops, and then we started shooting.

Before this, I used to do small roles and work for less money, so when I found out how much I was going to get paid for Gullak, I couldn't believe it. I recorded all this. When the series was released, we received a lot of love, and it changed our lives—not just mine but the entire team's.”

Her good relationship with the Gullak team also landed her a role in Panchayat Season 2. Describing her experience working with Neena Gupta in the series, she said, "I have breakfast with her; I eat wherever she eats. We roam around in the evenings and have dinner together. She has never treated me like a junior artist. She is like a godmother to me. It was a big deal for me to work with my idol."

Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Rajwar's resilience and passion for her craft have propelled her forward, making her a respected figure in the industry. As she looks back on her journey, she remains grateful for the opportunities that have shaped her career and continues to inspire others with her dedication and talent.

This story was published in collaboration with Josh Talks.