Mrunal claims Bollywood impossible if Mouni and Radhika Madaan didn't work hard

After working in the television industry and becoming a known face in a short span of time, Mrunal Thakur has managed to make a jump to movies and how!

She plays the lead in a movie which is widespread in its true sense, with a message that strongly needs to be conveyed. That movie is the recently released Love Sonia.

But that’s not all. She has also been paired with Hrithik Roshan in Super 30, which was a surprise for the longest time.

In an exclusive chat with Deccan Chronicle, the actress opened up about her film, television and peers. Here are some excerpts from the interview:

From TV to getting lead role in Love Sonia and Super 30, how has the journey been?

Oh my god I’m living the life which thousands of girls must be dying to live. It’s such a fantastic start too with co-actors like these. It’s fabulous working with Demi Moore, Richa, Freida and now we have A.R. Rahman composing a song with an international singer. For a girl like me who has no background in film business, doing a film opposite such great actors, it’s like a dream-come-true.

Why Love Sonia?

I wanted to do a film that would impact even the audience, who leave the theatre thinking that yes this film does make a difference. I only wanted to prove myself as an actor and performer. This film has allowed me to perform and go out of my comfort zone for a global cause. I’m so glad because you will see a lovely bond between two sisters. It’s so amazing to star under a director who’s so passionate about a film like Love Sonia. He has been working on this for almost a decade now – more than 10-11 years. I saw Manoj Bajpayee performing and felt that finally I got a chance to perform and work with him which is so amazing. We did a lot of homework – doing workshops with girls, got to know their stories, heard what happened with them. They weren’t really opening up but as we spent more time, they also opened up. I knew what human trafficking was, but this film has actually educated me. Through this film I want people to be educated and know what’s happening in reality. We as actors see luxury around us, but when we step out, we see the struggle and reality which people are going through.

How did you bag the film?

I did auditions and was in touch with our casting director Jogi sir. We knew each other since two years, but he always waited for the right script that would happen at the right time and Love Sonia it is! We did couple of rounds. There were other girls who were auditioning for Sonia. When I saw myself at the auction, I told myself I better get that part right.

Was Bollywood always your dream?

My dream is to make my parents happy and experiment as far as characters are concerned. I want to do content-driven film, powerful roles which I’ve never done before. Minute detailing was taken care for Love Sonia. Shahid Amir did my costume. Virginia did my make-up. A big thank you to him because he made me look like a 17-year-old girl. It all paid off because I look so different through the trailer only! I want to tell people to watch films where entertainment is the primary base but you can’t avoid films like these which are inspired by real events. I want people to come watch the film in theatres and educate children, especially girls. That’s my whole intention.

From all the people you met, is there any person whose story impacted you the most?

I was actually telling this to Tabrez that when I’ll be little successful, me and my sister (who owns a salon) will teach such victims the art of hair styling who can work there. Right now I can hear their stories and encourage them to do better work. When you look up to someone, supposing you look up to a journalist who comes and tells you that you’re doing a great job, that would make sure that you give your 120%. Somewhere doing the line it will make you think if you are actually capable of doing such great work.

When you took up the character, did you feel it is way too bold to be performed? Were you apprehensive about it? How did you prepare for it?

I told Tabrez I won’t be able to do this film. There were scenes which were crazy. Even a nightmare will be better than what happens. But music plays an important factor during gruesome scenes. Tabrez spoke to my mother and she was also nervous about how will I perform the character. But eventually my family was also my biggest support system.

Do you think it is the best phase for TV actors to enter Bollywood?

I’m very proud of all of the actresses from the TV fraternity who are making their debut. Let me rephrase it as not the best phase but the hard work. If Mouni and Radhika Madaan wouldn’t have worked hard, it wouldn’t be possible. I know it’s like a trendsetting thing, but I’m glad that there’s no differentiation. Now there are female-centric films also and they are as important as male-centric films. If you don’t have faith on your talent, no one else would. The reason I survived today making the jump from television to Bollywood was because I had faith in myself. If not me, then who would have faith in myself?

If given an opportunity, would you go back to TV?

If the concept is good, yes.