Mrunal Thakur was a household name even before she did massive films like 'Super 30' and 'Batla House'. She was popularly known as Bulbul from the TV show 'Kumkum Bhagya' on Zee TV. The 28-year-old actress is now a part of Shahid Kapoor’s 'Jersey' and Farhan Akhtar’s latest upcoming release 'Toofaan'. In an exclusive interview with Asian Voice, Mrunal spoke about her journey so far.
Q - Unlike many of your contemporaries, your choice of films has always been wise and you've played well-written roles. What goes on in your mind while choosing a film?
Well, what goes in my mind is to get out of my comfort zone. I want to break the stereotype. I don't want to do a certain type of role. And I think one of the reasons why I keep experimenting is that I want to be known as a versatile actress.
Q - How do you prepare to work with a director and cast like that of 'Toofaan'? Are there any inhibitions?
Well, there were inhibitions earlier, but Rakeysh said, ‘Let's keep your makeup aside. Let's keep your hairstyle and this hairdo. And this wardrobe aside, let's just have this girl who is asked simple you know, relatable, and a Mumbaikar who is a doctor and at the same time, she is this strong and confident and 2020 girl who would be firm and who will bring joy on people's face and she'll bring a smile and that's our agenda is.’ So working with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s speed was overwhelming, it was challenging, but at the same time, I feel like it's a dream come true.
Q - What is your take on OTT versus theatrical release? Does it matter to you?
Well, right now, the pandemic has hit us and we're in a situation where it's not really safe for us to step out. And as a performer and an actor, it's very important for me to reach out to the audience and entertain them through my movies. And I think thanks to OTT platforms, it's a blessing that we are able to showcase our work to these platforms and Amazon Prime Video is going to release the movie in 240 countries and its territories.
Q - You've received critical acclaim and popularity right from the start of your career, including your TV days. What keeps you going and how do you balance success and more importantly, mental health?
You know, I feel like the reason why I am in this industry, not just to become a star, but to be known as the characters that are played in the movie. And it is quite a win-win situation for me. You know, when I walk on the streets and people call out to me from too far, and our film is releasing soon. So that gives me so much joy.
It is absolutely okay to feel low, it is absolutely okay to feel emotional sometimes because you're human. And that's what you're supposed to feel you're not a robot, right? So I feel when you asked me about my mental health, I think most of the most difficult situations in my life. I have gotten inspired by the movies. I remember when I was really confused about my career, there were a few movies that played an important role. And that's where I choose my heart, all my brain or my mind, I must say.
I made sure that I was learning dance forms, and I was exercising and staying away from all the toxic people and took really, really care good care of me because if I will not make myself happy, no one else would. So I need to keep myself happy. That's when I can give happiness to others.
