Mrunal Thakur: Enough playing victim card in films

Mrunal, who plays strong-headed wife to Shahid’s character in Jersey, says she is sending out a clear message with her choice of roles

The past few weeks have been busy for Mrunal Thakur. She was recently seen in Netflix’s Dhamaka, post which she released the poster of her next, Aankh Micholi. The high point of the month was launching the trailer of Jersey that sees her alongside Shahid Kapoor. “I am overwhelmed, but I am not feeling the pressure. The pandemic had slowed down my work. All the films I had shot for are now [releasing]. I live to entertain my audience, and no matter how bad my day is, I come to life when I face the camera,” begins Thakur, grateful for the promising line-up of projects.

Jersey, the official adaptation of the 2019 Telugu film of the same name, sees her play wife to Kapoor’s character — a former cricketer struggling to make peace with his fate. Their romance weathers a storm, altering their relationship in the Gowtam Tinnanuri directorial venture. For a story that hinged on the chemistry of the leads, Thakur says she found the perfect co-star in Kapoor. “I found a friend in Shahid. I will never tire of praising him. He is such a focused actor, and owns his character. I learnt the quality from him.”

A quick look at Thakur’s filmography makes one thing evident — regardless of the screen time, each of her movies has her playing a well fleshed-out and strong-headed character. The actor says it’s no coincidence. She is mindful of her characters’ arcs and the films’ messaging. “I have made sure the women I play are firm and have a voice of their own. I am happy that through films like Toofaan, Dhamaka and Batla House [2019], I am sending a message out. Enough being supportive, or playing the victim card in films. Women play an important role in men’s lives; it should be presented that way. They don’t have to be shown as bechari. Many women will relate to my part in Jersey. Women look forward to a secure future for themselves and their kids. My character is strong, speaks her mind and [does] what she wants.”

Also Read: Mrunal Thakur: Connected with her by the eighth day of shoot

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