Nehal Vadoliya: Mumbai Has Made Me Who I Am. Here, I feel accepted. I Love Mumbai

Actress Nehal Vadoliya carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry with her unapologetically bold roles in web series such as Gandii Baat 3, Julie 1-2, Mastram, Woodpecker, Dunali 1-2, and Imli, as well as TV shows like Vighnaharta Ganesha, Aap Ke Aa Jane Se, and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

Nehal hails from Jamnagar, Gujarat, in the Saurashtra region, and studied in a Gujarati-medium school until the sixth standard. Sharing more about her early life, she says, "I went to a co-ed school. In our community, girls are usually sent to all-girls' schools. So, from the seventh standard onwards, I studied in a girls' school and even went to an all-girls' college. After completing my first year, something unfortunate took place."

Elaborating on the incident, she shares, "One of my teachers misbehaved with me and touched me inappropriately. I had been passionate about yoga and had practiced it from the seventh standard until college. However, after this incident, my father did not allow me to continue my studies. Soon after, I got a job at the airport. In 2013, I started working in the aviation industry as ground staff, where I worked for about a year."

While working in the aviation industry, Nehal came in contact with a director who left his visiting card with her.

She recalls, "When I looked at the card, I realized I could also pursue acting as a career. I remember, back in school, when I was in the sixth standard, I had performed in a college play, playing the role of a grandmother. That memory stayed with me. So, I joined an acting workshop. However, I only attended it for three days. During that time, I had shared my contact number. Then, in 2014, I came to Mumbai for a TV show called Ashoka. I was selected, but someone tricked me into believing I had gotten a side character role. Trusting them, I left my aviation job and moved to Mumbai. But after staying in the city for a week, I realized I was actually just a junior artist!"

Nehal started earning at a young age and describes Mumbai as a city of opportunities.

She shares, "I started working when I was 15, and my first salary was ₹2,200. I worked at a saree showroom because my father wasn't in a position to support us fully, and we were three daughters in the family. Since then, I've been earning and have done different jobs. I've worked in a bank and also in a BPO, both in Gujarat and later in Mumbai."

In 2014, Nehal entered the industry as an actor, but no one really noticed her. Eventually, she had to return to Gujarat due to financial constraints. However, she remained connected to the entertainment field by working as an anchor. Finally, in 2018, she shifted to Mumbai permanently.

She adds, "I feel like there's always a challenge, and I see it that way. Many people deceive you, claiming to be casting agents, but nothing really happens. They call you to malls and other places, promising opportunities. Once, someone even made me sign a movie contract and gave me a ₹25,000 cheque, but it turned out to be fake. I've had such experiences.

For me, there were more opportunities than challenges. Back in Gujarat, my complexion was never considered beautiful. But here, in Mumbai, I have never been judged for my complexion. Here, I feel accepted, and Mumbai has made me who I am. I love Mumbai."