Elli Avram is in a happy state these days. The Swedish beauty, who has been working for the past six years, says she feels welcomed by Bollywood since the success of her web series The Verdict: State vs Nanavati.

“I am blessed to have received such a warm welcome. I am getting substantial roles and the chance to work with the best of directors. But yes I have put in a lot of hard work to make a name here,” Elli said. “There were times when I packed my bags but my entry in Bigg Boss helped and I am grateful to Salman Khan for giving me that platform.”

She currently plays Sylvia Nanavati in the web series streaming on AltBalaji and Zee5. The show is about the 1959 case of K.M. Nanavati v. State of Maharashtra where Kawas Nanavati was accused of murdering Prem Ahuja for having an extramarital affair with his wife Sylvia.

The role is one of the meatiest she has ever come across, Elli said. “She isn’t just a pretty face, she has many layers. For the first time the story is being told from a woman’s point of view. I have watched the film Rustom also based on the case. However, we have shown another side to it.

“Why she cheats on her husband and under what circumstances. She does not divorce her husband and instead prefers to stay back with the family. She’s a very strong character.”

The web series spans Sylvia’s character from young to old. The actress says it reminded her of her younger days, when she planned “to get married and have children”.

Like her character, Elli said she is a strong girl too. “I have never compromised on anything. I have always been a strong personality... I like to live my life with dignity and respect. I have learnt from my grandfather how to save money for my rainy days,” she said.