Jayashree Venketaramanan: I didn’t leave television, television left me

Television may have introduced Jayashree Venketaramanan to audiences, but substantial opportunities from the medium have been few and far between in recent years. The actress, recently seen in the psychological thriller Brown, has since explored theatre, writing and other creative avenues, while waiting for the right opportunity to return to television.Jayashree, best remembered as Navika in Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha 2, says, “I never stepped away from television. I stopped getting offers, which was quite surprising. Conversations and meetings didn’t translate into work. So, I didn’t leave TV; TV left me. Given the right opportunity, I’d happily do it again.”Looking back, she feels the lull pushed her towards other creative paths. She says, “Maybe the universe placed me somewhere else.

My television work helped me get auditions in the web space. I’ve returned to theatre, continued commercials and started writing. Today, I see my career as a larger creative journey rather than just acting. Acting remains my first priority and always will be.”The shift from television to OTT, she admits, was emotionally and financially taxing. Jayashree, who has also been part of Breathe, Unmarried and Thinkistan, reflects, “The instability of this profession is no secret.

Even my first TV show wasn’t easy. It took years of struggle before I landed it. When TV offers stopped, people appreciated my work but it didn’t translate into opportunities. I felt anxious and overwhelmed, wondering how to get out of that long lull.

However, when survival becomes important, you start looking for possibilities. I was fortunate to have some savings. Although I cut down my expenses significantly, during dire times my sister helped me.”

She credits her husband, Akhlaque Khan, for nudging her towards writing. The actress, who was recently seen in Karisma Kapoor-starrer Brown, shares, “He told me to create my own opportunities. It wasn’t easy when survival was the biggest concern, but the prolonged lull made me numb. That numbness helped me find patience I didn’t know I had. Tough times break you before reshaping you into someone you never imagined becoming.

Today, I have a feature film script ready and I am preparing my first crowdfunded short film. I still audition, that hasn’t changed. While I wait for the right opportunity, I’m also trying to create one.”She also reflects on how visibility has become crucial in today’s industry. “Social media has become an artiste’s living résumé. It doesn’t mean you change who you are, but you find your voice and niche so you are seen. I resisted it for a long time, but now I embrace it. If storytelling is my profession, every platform that allows me to tell a story is worth understanding,” she concludes.