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Entertainment

I Was Naive Leaving TV Says Mrunal Thakur


The film Jersey recently released featuring actress Mrunal Thakur. The film also starred Shahid Kapoor, and Mrunal played the female lead. Those who have followed her career for a while now would know that she started out as a Television actress and then transitioned into the film industry. In a recent post for Humans of Bombay, Mrunal opened up about her journey as an actor. Mrunal, like most of us, was fascinated by the film world and always pictured herself on the big screen. However, she was studying to become a dentist.  She revealed: “Movies have been my escape. I'd put myself in the shoes of characters & think, 'If I was Geet from Jab We Met, would I have also run? And when I got a phone with a camera, I made it my friend. I'd record myself delivering movie dialogues all day. But the career I was pursuing was the opposite–I was studying to be a dentist,” “Watching 3 idiots did it for me–I spoke to Dad, 'I want to act.' Surprised, he asked, 'Are you sure?' But when I replied, 'It'll make me happy,' he gave me his blessing." added Mrunal.  She started doing interviews and appeared in TV shows such as 'Kumkum Bhagya'.  Mrunal said: “I was in college when I started auditioning. It was intimidating; I'd be in rooms where everyone competed for the same role. The thought, 'Do I have it in me?' made me question myself. But after months of failed auditions, not giving up paid off–I got my 1st role in a TV serial! It would be telecasted daily at 7.30 pm; my family would excitedly watch me. Dad even flew down to Mumbai to take a photo under my serial's hoarding." Mrunal Thakur left the Television industry after she signed the film 'Love Sonia'. However, she then faced a series of problems.  “I was a hard worker & because of that I got my 1st film—Love Sonia! I thought it was my ticket to Bollywood; I left the TV industry. But I was naive, because once the applause stopped, I was jobless. No scripts came my way, & if I'd be called for auditions, I'd get rejected. I was broke. I called Dad & cried, 'I'm in a crisis.' But he said I believe in your talent,” revealed the Jersey actor.  It was the film Super 30 that changed things for her. Mrunal said: “His words pushed me to audition for Super 30. I recall, the process took about 11 months! To sustain, I did ads, I didn't want to borrow from home. At the end, I got a call from the director & to my surprise, he said, 'Congratulations!' I screamed with joy; I'd be acting alongside Hrithik Roshan! Super 30 got me recognition & finally people knew who 'Mrunal Thakur' was. Then Toofan happened & now, Jersey! After watching Shahid Kapoor for years, I still can't believe I'm next to him on screen!”  “Getting here was tough but I hope to inspire girls to follow their dreams. Through my work, I want to bring stories that inspire! And I wish that one day, I share the screen with my idol, Meryl Streep! I often wonder, 'What if Dad had said no to my plea?' I wouldn't have chosen to do what I loved. But he didn't. He believed in me, & then I believed in me, & that made all the difference,” she concluded.  Well, we are glad that Mrunal's father gave her the much-needed momentum and inspiration. Otherwise, the nation would have missed seeing such a talented actor on screen. 

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