Ahmedabad has given me a level of recognition that speaks volumes: Kinjal Rajpriya

Ahmedabad is more than just a place on the map for me—it’s an emotion,” says Kinjal Rajpriya. On Ahmedabad Foundation Day, the actress talks about the city that shaped her, her fondest memories here and what she feels the future has in store. Excerpts: ‘The city taught me how to find the purest joy’ When I say I’m from this city, it carries a specific weight: it means I know how to find the purest joy in life without the need for intoxication. I value relationships, and true to my roots, I understand the language of business. I grew up in the heart of the city, playing gully games in my society, embracing intercultural experiences, and riding my bicycle to school and tuition. One of my favourite childhood memories is taking a halt along the way for having pani puri and vada pav.

My life here has been beautiful, thanks to my family, friends, chai, late-night drives, and fulfilling food cravings round the clock. ‘Used to visit Municipal Market to meet Santa on Xmas’ I have some fond memories from my growing up years. Natraj was the only theatre for watching English films; I remember watching Jumanji, Stuart Little, and Titanic there. Those outings were usually paired with a softy cone at Chills Thrills & Frills (CTF). I also spent time at Chitty Bang at Law Garden, watched plays at Thakorbhai Desai Hall, and explored the Manek Chowk night food bazaar.

I remember the thrill of going to Rani no Haziro for Navratri shopping and having kharek at Maninagar.

Post-dinner drives to the old city with my family were always magical, and Ellisbridge used to be the go-to spot for an outing with friends. Even now, I think of the Municipal Market during Christmas—I used to insist on meeting Santa Claus there every single day during my holidays. ‘The city offers unique comfort personally & professionally’ The city has taught me to breathe freedom in its truest sense.

Both personally and professionally, the city offers unique comfort. There is a logistical ease to life here; everything here is ‘najik’ (nearby). It is gratifying to see my work celebrated with such love and warmth, not just across the city, but globally, wherever the Gujarati diaspora resides. Ahmedabad has given me a level of recognition that speaks volumes across the world.

In terms of opportunity and growth, I couldn’t have asked for more. ‘I love the balance between old and new Ahmedabad’ I’ve watched the city evolve into a proper metro hub. The connectivity, the highways, and the infrastructure have improved significantly. While issues like traffic and pollution need more attention, I am hopeful we are working towards a solution. I love the balance between the charm of old Ahmedabad and the new Ahmedabad energy. I never want either to lose its original essence; the beauty lies in keeping both intact.

I feel proud of how the city still maintains its heritage. Looking ahead, I want the city to flourish as a centre for art and filmmaking. I want to see more educational opportunities in the arts and a film industry that casts artistes from every spectrum. I want an industry where every technician and artist is valued—not just in terms of pay cheque, but also recognition.