The Wives actress Hemanshii Ruparel: I came to Mumbai not just to survive, but to be seen

After appearing in OTT series like Pyaar Ka Bazaar and Shiddat…Mohabbat Ki, Hemanshii Ruparel is now set to make her Hindi film debut in Madhur Bhandarkar’s The Wives. The film delves into the hidden lives and struggles of Bollywood star wives.The actress, originally from Akola in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, recalls, “When I saw Heroine, it instantly became one of my favourite films, also because Kareena Kapoor Khan is my favourite actress. Later, I watched Fashion and admired the characters played by Kangana Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra. I always dreamt of being part of Bollywood, and today I can proudly say I am part of a Madhur Bhandarkar film.”She landed the role after several auditions, a look test, and days of anticipation.

“It still feels unreal. I may not be the lead, but I am part of the film. That is no small win for a girl who, a few years ago, did not even know how to get on a set,” she says.After modelling in her hometown, Hemanshii moved to Mumbai in 2021 with the determination to make her mark in the industry. “I took on short roles — three-month arcs, guest appearances — anything that helped me face the camera and build confidence. Coming from a place where dreams like this are rarely spoken about, just surviving in Mumbai felt like an achievement.

But I came here to be seen,” she explains.Her journey has involved sacrifices, from strained ties with extended family to financial struggles and the constant pressure to justify her choices. “As a child, I would sit glued to the TV, imagining myself in those frames, dressed in beautiful clothes and receiving applause. I know my role in this film is not big, but being part of a Madhur Bhandarkar project is a significant milestone.

I hope it opens more doors and brings recognition to my work,” she says.She adds, “I want to inspire people from my hometown to believe in their dreams. If my journey gives someone the courage to take their next step, then I am on the right path. My story in this city of dreams is only beginning, and with Ganpati Bappa’s blessings, I believe the road ahead will be rewarding.”

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