I am an avid history enthusiast, says Mrinal Kulkarni

For the Rama Madhav (2014) director, history has always held a special place in her heart. And, Mrinal Kulkarni is thrilled about portraying another historical character in her next film. The & Jara Hatke (2016) actor shares, “My grandfather was a novelist and historian and my father, a college principal, taught history to several students. So, I would like to believe that history is in my blood and genes. Also, I have portrayed many historical characters in my career so far.” Mrinal feels that there are many stories from our history lessons that need to be brought forth. “Our new generation is not aware of many of the legendary stories from the past. It is very important that we bring such stories to the forefront. I am always excited about playing historical characters and promoting films based on our heritage,” she says.

After a gap of almost a decade, Mrinal will be seen playing Jijabai in her forthcoming film, Farzand. She has played the same in a television show titled Raja Shivchatrapati (2008). “This was another opportunity to play Jijau aaisaheb, however, the shades of the character in this film are different. We have often seen her as a strong and wilful woman. Here, too she is portrayed strong but we have explored her emotional side too. She is much older in the film and has reached a stage where she is in a dilemma whether to acquire more forts or reduce the loss of her mavals (Maratha soldiers),

Our new generation is now aware of many of the legendary stories from the past. It is very important that we bring such stories to the forefront. MRINAL KULKARNI, ACTORDIRECTOR

who she considers as her family.”

On director Digpal Lanjekar, Mrinal says, “He assisted me on the sets of Rama Madhav and I have seen his passion. He showed me the script of this film eight years ago and I feel this is an extraordinary piece of history that needs to be told.”

PHOTO: SHANKAR NARAYAN/HT