What started out as a modelling gig, which was done alongside her academics, eventually turned into a full career in movies and television for veteran actress Kiran Joneja.
Kiran, who also is the Managing Director of the Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment, eponymously named after her husband, ace film maker Ramesh Sippy, recently spoke with Connected to India in an engaging episode of Spotlight, reflecting on her journey from Delhi’s Punjabi Bagh to the world of film and television in Mumbai.
Known for iconic roles like Veerawali in Buniyaad and Ganga in Mahabharat, Kiran shared how her acting career began unexpectedly during her college days.
“I actually started at 17,” Kiran said, adding that she was in LSR College when she first took to modelling after a college fashion show. She came to Mumbai initially to model, not act. “The transition just happened,” she recalled, mentioning how theatre and plays had been a part of her life since childhood. “I had not really decided that I wanted to become an actress.”
Despite not coming from a film background, her gradual shift into acting was met with support from her family. “My father was not upset about the fact that I modeled. He was upset, don’t disturb your studies,” she said.
Kiran’s television debut happened with Rajshri Productions in a series called Paying Guest. Her breakthrough came with Buniyaad, where she played Veerawali, a role that came to her after another actress was replaced.
She recalled how director Ramesh Sippy offered her the role during their first meeting on set. “He asked me a few questions and said, okay, the role is yours.” When asked if she expected the role to become iconic, she admitted, “I did not hear the role. I didn’t even have that much akal to say, yeah, what is my role?”
She later played Ganga in Mahabharat, a role that added to her popularity. “I just work. I enjoy what I’m doing. I never look at results,” she said.
Today she plays an active role in running the institution, helping students stay updated with the latest tools and techniques in the industry. “We want our students to be updated so that when they enter the industry, they’re not lagging behind,” she explained.
Kiran is also working on a documentary about Ramesh Sippy, which she hopes to complete this year, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Sholay. “I think it’s very important to document what you have done in life,” she said.
Find out more about what Kiran said about her marriage with the ace director and other topics. Watch the Spotlight interview here.
