Actress Medha Shankr, the lead in the critically acclaimed film ’12th Fail’ has divulged details about her financial struggles prior to her breakthrough in the film industry. Once left with a meager sum of Rs 257, Shankr’s career trajectory is a testament to her unwavering determination and love for the craft of acting.
The film ’12th Fail,’ masterfully directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is based on the compelling real-life experiences of IPS Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and IRS Officer Shraddha Joshi. It has made quite an impact in the film industry, securing the top position on the Top 250 chart of top-rated Indian movies, along with an impressive IMDb user rating of 9.1. Besides Shankr, the film stars Vikrant Massey and features stellar performances from Joshi Anantvijay, Anshuman Pushkar, Geeta Agrawal Sharma, and Priyanshu Chatterjee.
In a heartfelt reflection during an interview with IMDb, the platform where she was honored with the IMDb “Breakout Star” STARmeter Award, Shankr recalled the strenuous path to securing her role in ’12th Fail.’ Her pursuit began in 2018 when she moved to Bombay to chase her dreams. In 2022, she had her first audition for the film, which eventually led to a screen test with Vidhu Vinod Chopra and the entire production ensemble.
Shankr vividly remembered her screen test alongside Chopra, Massey, and the rest of the team, at which point she felt an innate sense that the role was destined for her. The confirmation call from Chopra marked a turning point, ultimately leading to sharing a tearful and joyous moment with her family.
The actor’s journey was not without its hardships. During the unprecedented global crises of 2020, Shankr faced a daunting financial low, with her bank account balance plummeting to Rs 257. However, her passion for acting, devoid of any allure for the glamorous fringes of the industry, kept her spirit afloat. She emphasized that her drive to act stemmed from a deep-seated love for the art itself.
Shankr’s persistence and talent have not only led her to significant success but have also earned her the affectionate title of the ‘National Crush.’ Embracing her newfound fame, she remains hopeful that this affection from her fans is more than a fleeting moment.
The “Breakout Star” STARmeter Award from IMDb is more than just a trophy; it is a barometer for popularity amongst the IMDb app users. This award is presented to those stars who demonstrate strong performances on the Popular Indian Celebrities list and garners page views from more than 200 million monthly visitors globally. This has often predicted the emergence of actors who are on the cusp of career-defining moments.
For Shankr, receiving this award for ’12th Fail’ is an extraordinary achievement, signifying the acknowledgment and validation from IMDb – a leading and trusted source for movie information.
Having faced financial despair that is all too common among striving artists in Mumbai to achieving widespread recognition and critical acclaim, Medha Shankr’s story is one of immense resilience and dedication to her craft. As she continues to revel in the glory of being the nation’s beloved ‘National Crush,’ her journey from the struggles behind the scenes to the bright lights of stardom resonates with many who dream of making it big in the world of cinema.
