Being an all-time national crush, stepping into the world of Mrunal Thakur has always been a dream of most individuals. So, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, we decided to skip the ordinary interview form and drove along with the ever-beautiful Mrunal Thakur to celebrate the rizz of her grace, talent, and style. With each turn, we discovered a new facet of her radiant persona, weaving together the threads of passion, perseverance, and the timeless essence of femininity.
Exhibit: What has been that anchor point in your life?
Mrunal: I think it was the release of ‘Love, Sonia’, when the film was screening at the film festivals, and people were appreciating it. It was my first film, and it was screened at the London Indian Film Festival. It was because of ‘Love, Sonia’ that I got to travel the world and experience what it feels like to take a trip to Los Angeles. I was lucky enough to attend the film screening at the United Nations, and it was lovely to meet people from various countries. Basically, that movie changed everything for me and kind of helped me to have a career in South Cinema. It’s because of ‘Love, Sonia’ that I met Nag Ashwin, the director of ‘Mahanati’, who saw the film at the screening and recommended my name for Sita Ramam.
Exhibit: When did you realise your potential interest in being an actor?
Mrunal: I discovered that I wanted to be an actor when I was prepping for a medical entrance exam. I still did that and almost got into BDS. I was supposed to be a dentist, and then I was like, no, something’s not right, so I opted for a Bachelor of Mass Media, and that’s when I realised that acting is something I want to explore.
Exhibit: What was your response when you got the recognition?
Mrunal: It wasn’t sudden; it took more than 10 years. I started with television and was in front of the cameras, but I didn’t have that stardom. It took me a lot to get it, and that’s one of the reasons why I value it so much. Also, in your head, you know the recognition could be temporary, and you learn to make peace with it. So I learned all that, and I give a lot of credit to my television journey because I learned how to deliver my dialogues or take the light from there. So, on a movie set, all this was not a problem for me. In ‘Love, Sonia’, I worked with Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkumar Rao, Anupam Kher, and Demi Moore, and getting recognised while working with such great actors was quite overwhelming.
Exhibit: What does exploration mean to you?
Mrunal: Oh, it means the world to me because when you explore, you discover who you truly are. Going out of your comfort zone is so important, we should not restrict ourselves from exploring new things. I’m the first girl child in my family to learn how to drive. If I had thought about why I should learn to drive, I would have sat at home. While exploring, I get to explore not just the world but different people and regions, and I discover my personality, likes, and dislikes.
Exhibit: If there’s a book written on you, what would it be called?
Mrunal: I love Michelle Obama’s book called ‘Becoming’, which means evolving. So, something on that note, it’s too early for me to even think about my book or an autobiography.
Exhibit: Do you like to go on a self-drive?
Mrunal: Yes, I like to go on drives, it’s very therapeutic. After a long day, you get so exhausted, and at such times, I make sure to go on a self-drive session when the entire world is asleep.
Quick Bytes
Ex: What’s the maximum speed you’ve hit on the road?
Mrunal: 170Km
Ex: Sedan or SUV?
Mrunal: I’m an SUV girl.
Ex: A quote that inspires you?
Mrunal: I’ve not come this far to only come this far.
Ex: What’s your go-to gadget for staying connected on the go?
Mrunal: Apple Watch
Ex: What’s one thing your fans would be surprised to know about you?
Mrunal: The fact that I love cars.
Ex: One must-have app on your phone besides WhatsApp?
Mrunal: Instagram.
Ex: Your favourite on-screen couple or a classic love story that has left an impact on you?
Mrunal: That would be Dilip Sahab and Vyjayanthimala from the film Madhumati, and I remember that film left such a great impact on me and my sister. We would keep roaming in the foyer, holding a candle and keep scaring each other. It’s got a ‘Chadh Gayo Papi Bichua’ song and a lovely story.
Ex: Who would it be if you could collaborate with any actor or actress from any era for a dream project?
Mrunal: Wow, that would definitely be Smita Patilji because I think she was way ahead of her time, and if I could also work with Irfan Sir, that would be a crazy combination.
Ex: One cuisine or dish from your travel diaries that you absolutely enjoy and would recommend to others?
Mrunal: I take so many road trips and travel a lot in the south as well. In Hyderabad and Vijay Vada and that side, the Biryanis are to die for. Also, the Chicken Chettinad and the Chicken Curry, it’s a never-ending list. So yeah, South Indian cuisine, I think it’s my comfort food now.