In an industry often characterized by its glitz and glamour, the harsh realities of broke bank accounts are seldom spoken about. However, actress Medha Shankr, lauded for her role in the critically acclaimed film ’12th Fail,’ recently shared a glimpse into the less glamorous side of her journey to stardom. During a moment of candid reflection, Shankr revealed that at one point, she was left with a mere Rs 257 in her bank account, underscoring the financial hurdles she faced en route to success.
The film ’12th Fail,’ which holds a coveted spot on the Top 250 list of top-rated Indian movies and boasts an impressive IMDb user rating of 9.1, marks a significant milestone in Shankr’s career. Directed by the esteemed Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the movie draws inspiration from the true stories of IPS Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and IRS Officer Shraddha Joshi and features accomplished actors like Vikrant Massey, Joshi Anantvijay, Anshuman Pushkar, Geeta Agrawal Sharma, and Priyanshu Chatterjee.
Shankr’s recent conversation with IMDb came on the heels of her IMDb “Breakout Star” STARmeter Award—an acknowledgment celebrating strong performers on the IMDb app and a predictor of career breakthroughs. The award spotlights Shankr’s rapid ascension and her impact on the more than 200 million monthly IMDb visitors globally.
Reflecting on the grueling path that led her to her defining role in ’12th Fail,’ Shankr shared, “I started my journey as an actor in Bombay in 2018, and it took four long years before I first auditioned for the film at a casting agency.” After a tense screen test with Vidhu Vinod Chopra and the team, Shankr felt a powerful intuition that the role was hers. Eventually, that intuition proved right when Chopra himself confirmed she would be the film’s leading lady—a moment of celebration she tearfully shared with her family.
However, the road to this dream-come-true was fraught with challenges. Shankr recalled the year 2020, a year that shook the world, as a period of personal financial struggle. Despite the setbacks, her unwavering passion for the craft of acting served as a beacon of resilience. “I know that acting is my calling,” she declared, emphasizing her love for the art over the allure of the film industry’s superficial aspects.
Now enjoying the sobriquet ‘National Crush,’ Shankr is fully embracing this affectionate title bestowed upon her by fans, even as she acknowledges the fleeting nature of such labels. With this level-headed perspective on fame, Shankr seems to remain grounded amidst the whirlwind of her rising popularity.
Shankr’s triumphs and her receipt of the “Breakout Star” STARmeter Award, given to her by what she regards as “the most credible source for movies,” is more than just a ceremonial milestone. It is a testament to her persistence, talent, and dedication to her craft.
The film ’12th Fail’ itself continues to illustrate stories of perseverance and success against all odds, paralleling Shankr’s own journey. As she navigates the newfound territories of fame and influence, one thing remains clear—the tide of genuine talent and unwavering determination can indeed lead to remarkable industry recognition and heartwarming success stories. Medha Shankr’s narrative is one such story, broadcasting the message that even when the odds stack high, the fortitude of spirit and love for one’s calling can steer one’s course from financial scarcity to cinematic splendor.
