Sandhya Mridul has enjoyed an illustrious career in the world of acting, making significant marks across various platforms. She initially became a beloved name in Indian households through her roles in popular TV soaps in the early nineties. Her journey in the entertainment industry started with television dramas like “Banegi Apni Baat,” “Swabhimaan,” and “Koshish – Ek Aashaa,” which laid a strong foundation for her career. This successful stint on TV opened the gates of Bollywood for her, leading to her debut in the movie “Saathiya” in 2002. Following this, she continued to capture the audience’s hearts with performances in films like “Page 3” and “Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.” Sandhya Mridul has also ventured into the realm of web series, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Despite the success on these platforms, she asserts that theatre is what truly brings her joy.
Currently, Mridul is on a national tour with her latest theatrical performance, “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul.” This 45-minute show, a blend of storytelling and stand-up comedy, is Mridul’s brainchild. Written and created by her, the show encapsulates her nuanced understanding of modern relationships. Produced by Excurators Events Pvt. Ltd., the show debuted at the Spoken Fest in Mumbai and is scheduled to be performed in various cities, including Delhi, Dehradun, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
In an exclusive phone interview, Mridul shared insights into the inspiration behind her latest endeavor, her profound journey in theatre, and her plans for the future.
“Ridiculous Ms. Mridul is a whimsical narration that intertwines fictional and real experiences of women. It’s a light-hearted yet poignant take on relationships, men, and sex. The show humorously addresses the seemingly mundane actions we undertake without realizing the absurdity of them, both as single and married women,” Mridul explained. “It also delves into societal perceptions of single women, the judgments they face, and the misconceptions about them if they are attractive. Through humor, I aim to highlight these issues, especially the often-overlooked plight of single women.”
Despite feeling nervous about her first solo gig, Mridul finds solace in the show’s ability to bring joy. “Even if ten people laugh, I consider it a success. Humor, particularly dark humor, is essential in making us introspect and laugh at ourselves. While incorporating humor, I ensure that each piece carries a message.
. In this show, I focus on the journey of a single woman and the loneliness, judgment, and misunderstanding she experiences.”
Reflecting on her experiences in theatre, Mridul expressed her passion for the stage. “I’ve always been enamored with theatre. I’ve done a few noteworthy plays in the past but regret not engaging more deeply with theatre. My last play, ‘August: Osage County,’ directed by Lillete Dubey in 2013, was a phenomenal experience. We performed across the country and internationally. I played Julia Roberts’ role from the original Hollywood film, and it was a play filled with an impressive ensemble cast.”
Besides her role in “August: Osage County,” Mridul fondly recalls her performance in “Zen Katha: The Story of Bodhidharma,” also with Lillete Dubey, where she learned karate for the role. Another memorable theatre stint was “Double Deal,” a two-actor play directed by Mahesh Dattani. It was based on Richard Stockwell’s thriller novel “Killing Time.”
Sandhya Mridul’s journey through cinema, television, theatre, and OTT platforms has been marked by her passion for dynamic and challenging roles. “I have always chosen roles that excite me, irrespective of the medium. Whether it was playing a popular ‘bahu’ on TV or asserting my presence in films like ‘Saathiya,’ ‘Page 3,’ and ‘Honeymoon Travels,’ each role was a distinct chapter. I love acting, but it’s more than a job for me; it’s a passion. It’s important that I enjoy it without feeling overburdened,” Mridul reflected.
Looking ahead, Mridul has several exciting projects lined up. “My next piece tackles a serious subject in a light-hearted manner. An Applause show release is imminent, and I have a new project starting in November. I enjoy taking breaks to rejuvenate and lead a balanced life. Since the pandemic, I have prioritized spending time with myself, my family, and nature. I’m not much of a planner; becoming an actor was serendipitous, as I initially had a promising corporate career before transitioning to acting.”
For fans eager to catch her live performance, “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul” by Sandhya Mridul is scheduled for August 24, 5 pm, at The Piano Man Jazz Club, Eldeco Centre, Malviya Nagar. Tickets are available for ₹999 plus tax on the Piano Man and Paytm Insider platforms.
Stay tuned as Sandhya Mridul continues to enchant audiences with her multifaceted talents, bringing laughter, thought, and a dash of reality to the stage and screen.
