Mrunal Thakur

Taapsee Pannu and Vidya Balan are helping actors like me have an opinion, and get a substantial role in a lm

After making her debut with an unconventional yet-bold film like ,' Love Sonia', Mrunal Thakur went on to work with A-list actors like Hrithik Roshan, John Abraham, and Shahid Kapoor. Even with only a handful of films in her kitty so far, the actress has successfully created a space for herself in the industry with her choice of projects and performances. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Mrunal opened up on entering showbiz, choosing content over screen time, dealing with social media trolls, and more. Excerpts… In a short span of time, you have created a space for yourself in Bollywood. How does it feel? It has been a wonderful journey so far. I feel I am blessed. All my patience and hard work have now paid off.

Take us to the time when you decided that this was what you wanted to do for the rest of your life?

I went for an audition while I was studying for BMM. That was the first audition of my life. When I was in front of the camera, I realised that I was quite confident. I had no idea where this confidence came from. I was in that room and that camera felt like a human being who was interacting with me. It knew exactly what I felt. That is when I realised that the most important part of being an actor is to feel. At that point, I decided that this was what I want to do for the rest of my life. I just loved being in front of the camera; I feel happy! I never wanted to be an actor when I was growing up. Actually, I wanted to be a dentist.

Were you a movie buff as a child?

I was a big movie buff growing up. We didn't have a cable connection back then, so, I somehow survived on DD1. I used to go to my friend's place or my neighbour's place to watch TV. Even in school, we used to discuss what happened in a particular episode or movie. I was actually a very intelligent child, who was really keen on knowing stories.

I remember when I used to go to my uncle's place, I would be scrolling through all channels on the TV throughout. I used to start my day, sitting in front of the TV from 8 am, and then I would be forever glued to it. My sister and I were always scolded for it. My parents tried to keep me away from the television all through my childhood, which is one of the reasons why I am so fascinated with it. So, here I am!

You made quite a bold choice for your debut film. What was your reaction when you were first approached for the film?

First, when they told me that they were considering me to play the part, I was very excited. But outside their office, I saw a huge notice board that read, 'Sonia option 1, Sonia option 2, Sonia option 3…' My name was on the third position; that actually broke my heart. I felt that it was me who was playing the part, but they were considering other options. My journey actually began there, to make sure that I am not one of their 'options'. The casting process was very different from the way we do our casting here in Bollywood. My urge to bag the part was insane. I decided that if I do it I have to do it well, or I should just not do it at all.

How did your parents react?

I had already told the director that I will even be the fourth AD on the set, but I just wanted to be a part of that movie. The concept was so good and unique. The moment I got an opportunity to read the script, I got so scared that I told the director that I spoke to my mom and she doesn't want me to play the part, and that I was sorry. He was really angry because after wanting the part so badly, I was saying no to it. I told him the character is quite bold and challenging and I was not sure if I would be able to pull it off. He assured me that I would. They made me very comfortable on the sets and explained each and every scene to my parents, and how they were going to shoot it. They also assured my mom and dad that they would use a body double in case they need it. I had to make sure my parents were aware of what I am shooting and how. My mother happened to be on the sets on the day we were shooting for a scene where all the girls are kept hidden somewhere. She was so overwhelmed. It was very difficult for my parents, but later they were proud of me

for choosing the subject.

You have played small but impactful roles in films like 'Super 30' and 'Batla House'. Does screen time factor in while making choices?

I feel that the time period of my character on screen is not important. In fact, how much time I am there on the screen doesn't matter; people should remember me when they leave the theatre. I learned that from Irrfan Khan sir. It didn't matter for how long he was there on screen, what mattered was how charming and engaging he was. Unless you are engaging your audience, you are not including them in your journey. There were so many actors I looked at and realised that screen time doesn't matter; it is the content.

There has been an unprecedented surge in womencentric content, especially on OTT. What are your thoughts on the same?

I wish 'Love Sonia' could be released today on OTT. It would have made such a huge impact! Back when it was released, it went somewhat unnoticed. The best thing that happened was that I got to travel the world, and meet the survivors. Many women have started their own NGOs where they are helping others. It makes me so happy that this film had that impact. The change in the content is really great for actors. With just a click, an actor can reach millions of people across the world. Earlier, getting a worldwide release was difficult. Many Indian actors have been appreciated by the West, which is an achievement. I feel blessed to be entering Bollywood in this era; it is great exposure for actors like us.

Earlier, we were looked upon as an industry of people who could only dance and sing. Now, they know there are crazy performers in India. We have also settled down as far as the melodramatic acting is concerned. That is one of the reasons why people connect to content like, 'Scam 1992' , 'Mirzapur' and others. This is what India is all about. Many of our actors have now opened doors for others in the West. Earlier, we used to not get solo films for actresses. Now, things are changing. Look at Taapsee Pannu's 'Thappad' or Kangana Ranaut's 'Queen' or any of Vidya Balan's films for that matter. They are helping me, as an actress, to have an opinion and get a substantial role in a film.

How do you deal with negativity and trolls on social media?

Honestly, I have never been trolled but sometimes I do get some harsh messages, where they talk about my weight and stuff. It doesn't matter at all to me. This is how I have been throughout my childhood. When I was in the eighth grade, somebody commented on my body. I just stood up in my math class, turned around towards the boy, and said, 'I eat what my father feeds me. And it should not bother you.' I am quite comfortable in my body. All these things keep on happening. The best you can do is ignore them or just eliminate these people from your life because social media validation doesn't matter to me at all. I feel some people on social media are quite frustrated with their own lives and just want to come and vent it out somewhere.

How have your co-stars inspired you to keep fit?

Hrithik (Roshan) used to work out two times a day. The transformation that you see is simply amazing. I want to be fit not because my profession demands it but because I worship my body. This is what I learnt from my co-actors. John (Abraham) never cheats. His cheat days are once in six-seven months.

I think fitness is important for me also because you don't know what kind of roles will come your way. The least I can do is to be fit and keep my endurance high. Increasing and decreasing weight is not an issue.

What is the best and worst part of being a celebrity?

This is a very interesting question because I live away from the madness of Juhu in Mumbai, which is the Bollywood hub. I live with my family and whenever I come home, I am treated as my dad's daughter and not some actress. I feel that is what keeps me sane. Even though I am a celebrity now, I still lead a pretty normal life. There are times when I just pick up my car and drive around with my mother. Just the other day, I took her for vaccination. My parents feel really proud when people recognise me on the streets. For them, it is an achievement. My happiness lies in theirs. I feel I am still a normal girl. I feel good when I can take a rickshaw and travel. I am from that breed of actors you can relate to. This is one of the reasons why I do not get trolled much on social media. I don't have to pretend to be somebody. I am real.

What are you looking forward to this year?

I am expecting that through my work, people get motivated to do something good in some or the other way. The times are bad and people are losing out on patience, jobs, and relationships. I feel that, as an entertainer and performer, my upcoming film, 'Toofaan' will motivate them. This film is something people should really look forward to. I needed to be part of a movie that is evergreen. I pray that 'Toofaan' stays evergreen.

The butterfly effect is described as a phenomenon whereby a minute localised change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere. That’s what the emergence of OTT platforms has done to the lives of both content creators and viewers. Actors have benefited most from it as now they’re being judged on the merit of their performance and not their star value. Manoj Bajpayee, a star performer for the last 20 years, found himself marginalisd in movies lately. But he made a resurgence, thanks to the humongous popularity of The Family Man, where he played the title role. He was an unusual choice to play a secret agent but proved to be the show’s leading light, thanks to his split-second timing. The second season of the show will start soon and Manoj is understandably excited about it...

You seem ahead of your times. You did short films much before anyone else and won awards for them. Then you jumped on the OTT bandwagon and won the Filmfare Best Actor In A Drama Series (Critics’) Award for The Family Man as well…

Thank you very much. When I was in Cannes a couple of years ago to promote Bhonsle, I saw a 20-year-old boy getting mobbed by the French audience. And when I enquired about it, they told me that he is a YouTube star from France. No other Hollywood or French actor got that kind of attention from the audience. So I learnt that this is the way ahead. This is the way the world is spinning these days. My wife kept pushing me to do short films. All of them got so many awards. Looking at the world and the changing patterns, you can realise what’s the way forward. This is not rocket science. I just keep my eyes open about every activity and the way the world is responding to it. I have an eye on each and every actor who’s working today. All the young actors and how they’re experimenting with their performances and how they’re reinventing the craft. So you keep changing, reinventing yourself — otherwise, survival would be difficult.

How has the COVID-19 situation changed things for an actor?

Our immediate entertainment source was only cinema earlier. Then the next preference was satellite channels and then OTT. But suddenly because of the pandemic, everyone got locked inside their homes. OTT platforms were already there for people to watch anything and everything from anywhere. That changed the demographics. When people started watching more and more OTT stuff, they started investing heavily in their own favourite shows, favourite actors and suddenly by the end of nine months, you had a parallel world of entertainment. When theatres were still struggling, this emerged as a viable option even for filmmakers. The audience got exposed to not only different content, but also to content which opened their eyes to different kinds of talent that weren't fully utilised in cinema. Because cinema has its limitations — due to box-office and/or its length. I just hope, even after cinemalife comes back to normal, these new choices made by the audience will continue to flourish.

If The Family Man were made into a film today, would the impact be the same as on the digital platform?

Let me remind you that The Family Man season 1 was streamed pre-covid. There was no sign of coronavirus back then. It was a massive success. And it was not only a successful show nationally, but it kind of crossed the borders as well. It was a hit even internationally. And the second season, will stream at a time when the cinema halls aren't still fully functional. So you can understand how much the fan base is going to increase. It gives you all the more reasons to be hopeful and optimistic that if The

Family Man could be that kind of blockbuster pre-covid, the next season will definitely get higher ratings in today's scenario when cinema halls are reportedly being shut down again.

But would it be as impactful as a film?

It gives you the experience of three films put together. You really dig into the characters and understand every aspect of the story, of the characters. Thinking aloud, I feel the impact would still be the same if it were made as a film because each character is so relatable. If you present the audience with relatable characters, they will take to them no matter what the format is.

You're shown to be super secretive in The Family Man. Are you like that in your personal life as well?

I am a good keeper of secrets for my friends. In my friendships, I keep the secrets of all my friends, but if it is a secret I am not so proud of… I always kind of warn them. And reprimand them. But you know, the only place where I'm completely myself is with my family. With them I can be both black and white. In that way, I am not Shrikant Tiwari at all.

What can we expect from The Family Man Season 2?

It's far bigger than what came earlier. And it's a lot more intense this time as well. Because Shrikant's life has changed in Season 2. So definitely his relationships are looked at differently. But his quirks, his way of responding to other characters, his way of handling his marriage and his job… at times it's quite baffling and funny — that hasn't changed.

What's your wife's take on The Family Man?

Neha loved it. She was chosen as one of the test audience for the second season. Even I was not allowed by her to watch any episode. She is strict about her responsibility. All she said was that the show is good. She shared her observations directly with Raj and DK. But she loved the series. I hope once she feels a bit free of her responsibility towards Ava, our daughter, she returns to acting. Ava and I will cheer her from the sidelines.

You got to spend a lot of time with Ava during the lockdown...

I haven't seen any child with that much energy. She is like a doll who wakes up and starts moving and never thinks of stopping for a moment after that. Till we are really tired and exhausted in the night and put her to bed. She keeps us busy. She was not allowed to go down and play or meet her friends. But it was good that for the initial four months we were stuck in Uttarakhand and she was hiking and trekking 10 km, 12 km every day with me. So you can imagine the kind of energy that she has. She needs that kind of activity to exhaust her.

Are you loving this phase of your career where you're the protagonist of an action series?

Look at the kind of talent emerging from OTT. I don't think they could have got justice in the cinema here. I am happy that the scene has changed and people are loving the OTT platforms and their content. They are looking forward to the work of good directors and actors. If you ask me, it has come a little late for me per se because I'm not in my 20s today. But at the same time, I am trying to make the most of it. Every day, I keep getting calls from people to be part of their shows. That's where I feel completely grateful and humble. So yeah, it's a fantastic time, we all have our hands full. And I just hope it continues for a long, long time.

We don't think age is a hurdle or a barrier in your case...

Definitely not a hurdle. But it doesn't give me the option of playing a 28-yearold guy anymore. All the roles that come to me are of characters who are 35 and above, 45 and above. So yes, that's the only thing. Otherwise, I'm happy. I feel blessed. There are no regrets or complaints. I was just stating a fact.

Will people flock to the theatres again?

Samantha (Akkineni) and I were discussing this. She told me in South India people are filling up the halls to see their favourite stars and films. But in North India especially, for Hindi films, theatres are struggling because the masses are still staying away. People are still a little wary of going to the theatres. I just hope they show a lot more enthusiasm. And courage to go to the theatres and not feel fearful. Because I somewhere feel that theatres are safe. They are as safe as flying today. So if they can sit in a flight for two-three hours, why can't they sit in theatres where all the protocols are being followed. Theatre owners are making sure to sanitize the seats, wearing a mask is compulsory and the seating capacity has been reduced to 50 per cent. I think we should go to the theatres. All the medium of entertainment should do well simultaneously.

How was your experience working with Samantha Akkineni in The Family Man?

She started shooting with me in Chennai and then we got pally. She has been very dedicated. She's become a big star by giving it her 200 per cent both physically and emotionally. She delved deep into the character while she was shooting for the challenging sequences. That's commendable indeed. And even during the promotions, she made sure she had the full attention of the media. I just hope we get to do more stuff together.

Why are you not a part of South cinema? Are you open to doing South films?

Since last October, I have been shooting back to back. There is no breathing space or window to take up another project. And all the last year's commitments have been pushed to this year. It will take me another year before I pick anything else. I am open to doing South films provided they offer me something worthwhile. Let's see.

OTT is a new industry. Is there pay disparity here as well?

I haven't experienced it. I have always been getting a fair amount of compensation for all the work I have done. But yes, I expect better compensation. I don't think there should be any kind of disparity if there is an already established name coming on OTT. It has its own audience base and it has its own market. And at the same time, I would say that whatever the budget allows, you are paid accordingly. And till now I don't have anything to complain about.