Magic of the movie

by ASJAD NAZIR

TV STAR MRUNAL THAKUR ON HER LEAP TO CINEMA AND WORKING WITH THE BEST

TALENTED actress Mrunal Thakur may have made a name for herself on television with impressive performances, but all eyes will now be on her when she hits the big screen in two major film projects.

One of the best-kept secrets in India is set to get global attention with a starring role in international film Love, Sonia as well as high-profile Bollywood release Super 30 opposite superstar Hrithik Roshan.

She will first be seen at this year’s London Indian Film Festival, where Love, Sonia is the opening night movie. Mrunal, who heads a strong star cast that includes Freida Pinto, De­mi Moore, Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao and Richa Chadda, plays the title role of an In­dian village girl who gets caught up in the web of the global sex trade.

Eastern Eye caught up with the star before she goes interstellar to talk about Love, Sonia, acting opposite Hrithik Roshan, and more.

What first got you connected to acting?

My father is very fond of Bollywood cin­ema. He would spend all his pocket money to watch movies in a theatre. He is a big Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan fan, so every weekend we would watch movies at home and it’s their magic that raptured me.

I started recreating the characters at home in front of my parents since I was six or seven. I went for an audition at the age of 16 after being referred by my friend and bagged the role. I ended up changing my (desired) profession from dentistry to acting.

What has the whole experience of working on the massively challenging medium of television been like?

I was so raw when I got my first show. It was tough with the camera angles, wearing make-up, learning lines and all the costumes, so it wasn’t easy at all. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the best co-actors, who taught me how to deal with the production and how to learn the lines. There were a few rules to be followed on set – be on time, learn your lines, don’t pay too much at­tention on your hair, make-up and cos­tume, observe and respect your work and people whom you work with. It was challenging as we shot 30 days a month. It became a training ground for me.

How does acting in movies compare to that in television?

With TV, we shoot one entire episode, with approximately 26-27 minutes of footage. With films, we shoot one scene a day, maximum two. However, the ef­fort that goes into films is much more in terms of preparation.

What led you towards Love, Sonia?

I always wanted my de­but film to be such that it would leave an im­pact on people’s heart. Love, Sonia’s auditions happened and in the first round itself, I had a feeling it’s me. I thought this is my project and I am Sonia.

What did you like about it as a project?

It’s a beautiful film, which shows the bond between two sisters and it’s very important for the world to know what reality is. I am so fortunate that I got a chance to be Sonia. There are so many shades to this character. The fact that our director Tabrez Noorani did re­search for over 10 years really inspired me. It’s for a cause and his dedication has literally pushed me more and more.

Tell us about the film and character you play in it?

We are really fortunate to have good family and friends, but let me tell you, we are living in a bubble. Once you step outside this bubble you would know what the reality is. Love, Sonia is the story of a young girl’s journey to rescue her sister from the dangerous world of international sex trafficking. Sonia is a strong girl who never gives up.

What was the biggest challenge of playing such a demanding role?

The biggest challenge was my trip to Kolkata to the brothels for research. It was very difficult for me to digest the fact that girls are sold and what they have to do to earn a living. It was very challenging and depressing. I had sleep­less nights after meeting people like a 16-year-old girl with two children. There was a 13-year-old who was raped and sold again as a virgin. It’s just too pain­ful. Imagine performing scenes inspired by scenarios like that. The second big­gest challenge was to convince my par­ents, my mum, especially.

How was it like playing the title role in a film with so many big names in it?

I felt blessed to be playing the title role in a film with so many big names in it. I was so starstruck by Demi (Moore) and Frieda (Pinto). I discussed the character with most of the actors on sets. I asked them, what would they do if they were Sonia? I would take their advice and learn so many things. So Sonia was an amalgamation of the director’s brief, re­al inspired stories, research and the ad­vice of my co-actors, of course.

This seems to be a very demanding role. Did it affect you emotionally?

Yes, it did affect me. I despised the male touch when I travelled. I started notic­ing small girls and their behaviour. I asked my­self, what if this girl is trafficked? What if they need my help? ‘Worth’ is such an important word and I realised if you don’t find yourself worthy, no one else would. I did have many sleepless nights.

Who are you hoping will connect to this film?

The entire world, I would say. If you know what’s happening, raise your voice as it can save a life. If you ignore that, it is as good as being a culprit. I want the world to be aware of this issue and alert every­one. We need to stop sex trafficking.

What is your favourite scene in the film?

There’s a scene where Sonia gets a chance to Skype Preeti. You will have to see the film to learn more.

Did you learn anything new while act­ing in Love, Sonia?

I learned about the power of observation. There’s so much to learn from them. How the actors behave in between takes.

Are you looking forward to the movie premiering at the 2018 London Indian Film Festival?

I am extremely nervous, excited and looking forward to seeing the reaction of the audience at London Indian Film Festival because this is the first time people would actually be buying tickets and watching the film in the theatre.

I know you can’t talk too much about Super 30, but what has working on the film and with Hrithik Roshan been like?

I was very excited and so happy. Hrithik is so talented and the amount of hard work he puts in is just incredible. He’s very humble and focused. He is my mentor on the sets of Super 30.

How are you selecting your projects?

I’m open to all mediums and will do anything that excites me, even if it’s one scene in a film, but if it appeals to my heart. I go with my gut instinct.

Is the plan to mix up Hindi cinema with international projects?

Today with technology I think there is no barrier. It’s now a global industry.

What would be your dream role?

Meryl Streep in Sophie’s Choice and Ka­reena Kapoor’s role in Jab We Met.

What kind of movies do you enjoy?

I love watching all genres, but my fa­vourite films are Madhumati, Sholay and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. I have grown up watching them. I also like Spotlight, The Room, The Devil Wears Prada and The Reader.

Who is your acting hero?

Meryl Streep, Tabu and Kareena Kapoor Khan. I can connect to them. When I see them perform, I get so engrossed in it. I worship them.

What has been the most interesting encounter you have had on your act­ing journey?

I was supposed to do a scene with Su­priya Shukla, who played my mom in Kumkum Bhagya. Just before we started filming, we got to know that she had lost her dad. She was sobbing in her room. I was there and didn’t know what to say. The moment the assistant director came to tell her the shot was ready, she wiped her tears, went on set and performed. I was shocked to see her perform and so well, despite what she was going through.

Today what inspires you?

My family and in particular my parents. My father always says whatever happens will happen for good. He’s a banker and gets transferred every three years. I have learnt from him how to adjust, work hard and never give up. The reason I am so ambitious is because of my mom. Their support means the world to me.

Finally, why do you love acting?

As an artist, when you breathe life into the character and see it come alive from the script to the screen, it’s the most sat­isfying thing ever. It’s like giving birth to a child. I love to get into the skin of the character, do some research and experi­ment with the look and dialect. Acting is a learning process and I enjoy it.

The world premiere of Love, Sonia takes place at Cineworld, Leicester Square in London next Thursday (21) as part of London Indian Film Festival, which runs across London, Birmingham and Manchester from next Thursday (21) until July 1. Visit www.london indianfilmfestival.co.uk for more.