Breaking Stereotypes - Mrunal Thakur on ‘Television actors can’t move to Bollywood’

Mrunal, who gained popularity as Bulbul in the TV show "Kumkum Bhagya," says though her transition from the small screen to the big one took a "little longer," she will prove that she is no less than her big screen counterparts in terms of work.

“The delusion that television actors cannot be a part of Bollywood has been broken. Things are changing, and the credit goes to the filmmakers considering new talent. My journey took a little longer, which made it interesting. Every person I have met during this period has helped me evolve and become not just a better actor but also a better person," Mrunal said. "I got a chance to meet many filmmakers I grew up watching. It's a dream come true. And nothing like working with the best and those who are extremely supportive and friendly,” she said.

Further, she said she transitioned to Bollywood with Love Sonia after working in television and Marathi films. She feels the film was the most significant turning point in her life. “I think this film proved that I can act,” she said.

“I almost got locked for a film, but it did not happen. And I realized that nothing would happen. There was a message in my inbox that I ignored because I was supposed to do this film, but when it did not happen, I just got back to that person. I told him I would like to audition if the role was still available. And he said yes, and this is how I got Love Sonia,” she said.

“It is interesting how Love Sonia changed my image. People were like, ‘we did not really recognize you,” she added.

Until the 12th standard, Mrunal wanted to become a dentist. Later, she realized that she wanted to achieve something different and creative. "I took the medical entrance exam and scored well, and this was the cause why my parents became unhappy when I told them I did not want to be a dentist. When they did not accept my decision, I made them watch three idiots film and made them understand how important it was for me to follow my ambitions," Mrunal said.

On the work front, Mrunal has wrapped up shooting for the first season of "Baahubali: Before the Beginning," Netflix's ambitious live-action series based on Anand Neelakantan's 2017 book "The Rise of Sivagami." She will be seen playing a young Sivagami in the series.