Acclaimed actress Sandhya Mridul, who has carved a niche for herself in the Indian entertainment industry, is making headlines yet again. Known for her roles in iconic TV soaps and films, Mridul is set to enthrall audiences with her new comedy show “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul”. In a candid phone interview, she shared insights about the show, her enduring love for theatre, and her future plans.
Sandhya Mridul’s journey in the acting realm started in the nineties with television soaps that turned her into a household name. Her career took off with popular shows like “Banegi Apni Baat”, “Swabhimaan”, and “Koshish – Ek Aashaa”. Transitioning to Bollywood, her debut in “Saathiya” (2002) marked the beginning of a notable film career, with successful projects such as “Page 3” and “Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.” She has also explored the burgeoning world of web series. However, it is theatre that truly ignites her passion.
Currently, Sandhya Mridul is touring with her latest performance, “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul”. This 45-minute show, a unique blend of storytelling and stand-up comedy, is entirely written and created by Mridul herself. It delves into her perspective on modern relationships. Produced by Excurators Events Pvt. Ltd., the show made its debut at the Spoken Fest in Mumbai and is now set to captivate audiences in Delhi, followed by performances in cities like Dehradun, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
“Ridiculous Ms. Mridul” is a narrative that combines fictional and real-life experiences of women. It offers a humorous, lighthearted view on relationships, men, and sex, poking fun at the often-unnoticed quirks and behaviors of both single and married women. Mridul humorously tackles societal judgments and misconceptions surrounding attractive single women, highlighting the imaginary tension between the so-called blissfully single and the unhappily married.
Despite the initial nervousness of performing her first solo gig, Mridul finds joy in the comedic relief her show provides, especially in these challenging times. She notes, “Even if I can make 10 people laugh, I’m happy. I enjoy dark humor and believe it’s the best way to poke fun at ourselves. Every element of humor in my show carries a deeper message, focusing on the often-judged and lonely journey of a single woman.
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Venturing into her theatre experiences, Mridul expressed her passion for the stage, stating that it’s where her heart truly belongs. Despite only having participated in a few plays, each has left a significant impact. Her last play, “August: Osage County” in 2013, had her touring extensively both in India and abroad. She played Julia Roberts’ role in this adaptation, showcasing her versatility and dedication.
Other noteworthy performances include “Zen Katha: The Story of Bodhidharma”, where Mridul went the extra mile by learning karate for her role. She finds immense satisfaction in roles that challenge her and offer opportunities to learn something new. Another highlight was “Double Deal”, a two-actor play directed by Mahesh Dattani, based on the thriller novel “Killing Time” by Richard Stockwell.
Discussing her diverse journey through cinema, TV, theatre, and OTT platforms, Mridul emphasized her selective approach to choosing roles. She avoids repeating character types and seeks out unique, exciting projects. From her early TV days, where she experimented with roles beyond the stereotypical popular bahu, to her notable film performances in “Saathiya”, “Page 3”, and her personal favorite “Waisa Bhi Hota Hai”, her choices reflect a deep commitment to her craft.
Sandhya Mridul insists that acting is not just a job but a profound love. She prefers maintaining a balance that keeps her work enjoyable and fulfilling instead of overwhelming. This measured approach has kept her fresh and relevant in the industry, allowing her to continue exploring varied roles with enthusiasm.
Looking ahead, Mridul revealed that her next written piece addresses a serious topic with a light-hearted touch. She has an applause show premiering soon and a new project set to begin in November. Valuing a holistic and happy life, she frequently takes breaks to read, write, travel, and connect with nature, especially since the pandemic heightened her appreciation for solitude and family time.
Despite her illustrious acting career, Mridul’s entry into the entertainment world was serendipitous. Previously on a promising corporate trajectory, she abandoned that path on a whim to follow her acting dreams.
“Ridiculous Ms. Mridul” by Sandhya Mridul will be performed on August 24 at 5 pm at The Piano Man Jazz Club, Eldeco Centre, Malviya Nagar. Tickets are priced at ₹999 plus tax and are available via The Piano Man and Paytm Insider platforms.
Throughout her multifaceted career, Sandhya Mridul remains a powerful presence, continuously pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression. Her newest venture, “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul”, is yet another testament to her talent and versatility.
