Krishnavataram Part 1 has been drawing audiences to theatres ever since its release, and has earned positive reviews as well. The devotional-mythological film has broken the age divide, appealing to viewers across demographic. Directed by Hardik Gajjar, the film is based on Raam Mori’s novel Satyabhama and depicts Lord Krishna’s life from Goddess Satyabhama’s perspective, his third queen consort, who also aided Krishna on the battlefield.

Playing Satyabhama to Siddharth Gupta’s Krishna is debutant Sanskruti Jayana. Receiving praise for her performance, Sanskruti, 27, is an alumnus of Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film School in New York and London College of Fashion, and turned entrepreneur at age 16. She hails from a well-known family, being the granddaughter of Anandiben Patel, the present governor of Uttar Pradesh. A t2 chat with Sanskruti.

Krishnavataram Part 1 has been received well. What has it been like for you so far?

It has been a completely surreal experience for me so far. I still haven’t been able to cope with it! (Laughs) I am genuinely numb because of the love. We are mostly newcomers in this film and to be getting so much love for our first film is beautiful. That is also because we are not just playing characters… these characters are part of our history and culture. I have been quite overwhelmed, and it will take me a few more days to take it all in.

Viewers are connecting to Krishnavataram on a deeper level, and not just as entertainment. We went for a visit to a theatre for a 2am show and expected only young people to be in the audience. However, to our amazement, there were even senior people watching the film. So many of them had tears in their eyes. They met us with so much love... they wanted to touch mine and Krishna’s feet (played by Siddharth Gupta), and we were shocked! They were like: “Don’t take this moment away from us, we have experienced divinity with this film.”

This is the impact our Gods and these kind of stories have on people. I met someone who said that he plans to build a Satyabhama and Krishna temple. That was so special for me. Satyabhama’s story has been largely unknown, and for audiences to embrace the character in this manner is a very big thing for me.

Sanskruti Jayana

How did the film happen for you?

About four years ago, I had met the director (Hardik Gajjar) for some other project. It didn’t happen but he told me he would keep in touch. A year-and-a-half later, I got a call from the team for Krishnavataram. When I came to know about the scale that they were planning to mount the project on, I was pleasantly surprised... newcomers don’t get opportunities as big as this! But the director had huge trust in me... he said: “I see you as Satyabhama.”

To do this as my first project was a big responsibility. There is a deep emotional arc of the character, as well as action and dance... I had to pull off a lot of things. I had a lot of training and the belief the director had in me really powered me through.

Weren’t there any second thoughts about doing a mythological film, which is an unconventional genre to start with, as opposed to a film that would have presented you in a contemporary manner? Typecasting is so rampant in the industry....

Honestly, it never crossed my mind. That is also because Satyabhama’s character, despite being a Goddess, is very human-like. She has flaws, she evolves and she learns through the process.... She experiences emotions like jealousy and love.... I knew that today’s youth would be able to connect with her.

You are right when you say that one does tend to get typecast, especially as a newcomer, when one wears these kind of costumes and speaks certain dialogues. But people like me don’t get opportunities. I have been in Mumbai for five years. There were three other films that I was supposed to do, contracts that I had already signed, but ultimately none of them happened. Actors like me don’t have the luxury to choose our first film. But for me, just being a part of this world was so magical. Also, this has been a big theatrical release, which is a dream for any debutant. And honestly, we don’t look at this film as mythology... it is history. And that is how the audience is responding to it in theatres.

Most people’s knowledge and understanding of Satyabhama is superficial. What did you know of her before playing the character?

Even my understanding of her was limited. She is, of course, a big presence in our scriptures like Tulabharam and the Puranas. But I have learnt about her along the way. Her name was Satyabhama because she symbolised truth.

After playing her, I have learnt how to stand up for things that are right. She went to battle with Krishna against Narakasur, but so many people don’t know about that. ‘Chhoti Diwali’ is celebrated to honour that victory. She was someone who felt every emotion to the fullest, but was never apologetic about it. She is a true inspiration.

You have studied acting at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film School in New York and also done a course in fashion at London College of Fashion. You have been a designer and an entrepreneur. What made you want to finally settle on acting?

I am Gujarati and the one thing that comes naturally to us is business! (Laughs) I was always very passionate about it and at 16, I started my own business. Everyone in my family excels in their chosen fields and I wanted to create my own identity and be financially independent. Since I was very young, I have spent a lot of time in slums and fields and around people (courtesy her social-entrepreneur parents Jayesh and Anar Patel). Learning about people’s journeys and their stories impacted me and built empathy. That made me want to do something in the field of storytelling.

When I was abroad, I realised I liked being in front of the camera and I did a few courses. At my first performance in drama school in London, I saw the audience had tears in their eyes and that was magical for me. It made me feel that I want to be an actor and bring out such emotions in people.

You had to wait for years for a break. The general perception would be that someone from an influential and powerful background like yours would have it easier than others...

That isn’t true. Not everyone gets opportunities, no matter where you come from. I always wanted to make my own identity and I requested my parents to let me take this journey on my own. But they have always been a strong emotional support. Things have a lot to do with destiny as well. It has taken me five years and three failed contracts to get here. I can proudly and honestly say that this journey has been mine alone.

Is there an actor whose career trajectory you admire?

Deepika Padukone’s journey inspires me. The way she conducts herself, everything that she went through in her personal life — when she talked about depression as well — and what she has been able to do in terms of balancing commercial cinema with performance-oriented roles, and being relevant at all times.... She is a true inspiration.