The cinematic journey between two talented stars, Mrunal Thakur and Shahid Kapoor, reached its two-year mark since the release of their film ‘Jersey’. Reflecting on the memories of their collaboration, Thakur reveals the imprints of a fervent fan and now a seasoned actress. Famed for her role in ‘Love Sonia’, Thakur candidly shared her initial fan-girl moments and the reality of working alongside Kapoor during an interview with Humans of Bombay.
The actress recounted the mix-up that led her to the wrong address, causing her to arrive late for the crucial script reading with Kapoor. Her anticipation took the shape of a compliment as soon as they met. “Your smile in real life is exactly like it is on screen!” These were the words that spontaneously escaped Thakur’s lips. It was an innocent break of ice, unveiling her admiration for Kapoor, which she had harbored since his performance in ‘Jab We Met’.
Despite her growing experience in the industry, Thakur acknowledged that working with Kapoor had its overwhelming moments. “During the shoot of Jersey, there were days when I would forget my lines because I was so overwhelmed being on the sets with Shahid Kapoor. He’s a great co-star,” she recalls. The awe was a sign of respect, but also a challenge as she strived to match professionalism with the awe she felt inside. Initially, the awe was palpable. Thakur grappled with the nervous excitement of working with a star she admired greatly, leading to moments of self-confessed awkwardness.
Acting alongside Kapoor wasn’t just an exercise in overcoming intimidation but also an opportunity to reflect on the delicate demands of balancing personal aspirations with professional commitments. Thakur mused about the complexity of maintaining relationships while navigating the demands of an acting career. She emphasized the importance of having a partner who understands and supports one’s career, hinting at how crucial this understanding is in the turbulent world of cinema.
Contemplating the future and the sustainable course of her personal life, Thakur opened up about her thoughts on egg freezing. The consideration is a modern reflection on choice and the empowerment of planning in an otherwise unpredictable industry.
The introspection didn’t stop at personal crossroads; Thakur also underscored the therapeutic value of open communication and professional support. Acting as diverse personas on screen, she faced emotional turmoil, leading to feelings of gloom once the lights dimmed. “I was using my work as a bandaid, but the moment I packed up and went home, I was miserable.” It is through therapy and heartfelt dialogues with her closest allies that she found strength. Her circle, consisting of friends, her sister, and endearingly, her cat, provide her with the necessary anchoring in reality.
The journey of Mrunal Thakur has crossed paths with commercial and critical acclaim. With her recent appearance in the Telugu film ‘The Family Star’, Thakur continues to imprint her mark on the Indian film industry. But the reminiscence of her time filming ‘Jersey’ with Shahid Kapoor remains a testament to her growth as an actress and her grace in embracing the human elements of awe and admiration in the professional world.
