Exclusive- Tejaswwini Pandit on being called out for bold role in RaanBaazaar: People keenly watch bold content in Hindi but when Marathi actors do, their mentality changes

Marathi actress Tejaswwini Pandit, who turned a year older today, recently surprised everyone in the trailer of Marathi web series RaanBaazaar. The actress plays the bold character of a sex worker Aayesha in the series and shocked everyone. In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Tejaswwini spoke about playing the role of a sex worker on-screen, getting bold for the web series, and why it is high time people changed their perspective while watching web series of Marathi actors.

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

Also read: Tejaswwini Pandit, Prajakta Mali and other Marathi actresses who went bold for web series

Talking about her role as Aayesha, Tejaswwini said, "I play the role of Aayesha in the series and it is a very different yet vibrant character. I have earlier played various roles in TV serials and films but this is so different. I am sure people will shower lot of love on my character this time.

The teasers and promos of the web series created a storm on the internet. When my first teaser of RaanBaazar got released people were surprised to see me in such a bold avatar. But yes, fortunately I got a good response from the audience despite experimenting with my image.

Tejaswwini further says that she met a few sex workers before playing the role of a prostitute on-screen to prepare for her character. She said, "Me, Prajakta, and our director Abhijeet, we met a few prostitutes. I observed them and tried to adapt their boldness and 'Bindass' attitude in me. Our meeting with them was so helpful that I could work later on much better for my role."

Tejaswwini received a mixed response from the audience for her bold character. A few sections of netizens lashed out at her for her bold scenes. Reacting to the same, she said, "Yes I am open to accepting everything. I tell all the viewers that you first watch the web series, know about the subject and then blame or abuse us. It is high time that people changed their perception. People love and shower much love on Hindi bold web series, they watch those with much interest but when Marathi actors do the same, their mentality changes. We should definitely change our mindset.

Tejaswwini received support from her family for her bold character and said that it was not possible without their support. She said, "My family also supported me in my journey. Their encouragement and support motivated me to perform better. (PC - Instagram)

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

Also read: Beautiful pictures of Tejaswwini Pandit