Sandhya Mridul, a name synonymous with versatility in the Indian entertainment industry, has carved a niche for herself across various platforms, from television and Bollywood to web series and theatre. In the nineties, she became a household name thanks to her standout roles in popular TV soaps like “Banegi Apni Baat,” “Swabhimaan,” and “Koshish – Ek Aashaa.” She later transitioned into Bollywood, making her debut in “Saathiya” (2002), and went on to star in other significant films such as “Page 3” and “Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.” Despite her success in front of the camera, Mridul reveals that it is the theatrical stage that truly brings her joy.
Currently, Sandhya Mridul is making waves with her latest venture, “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul,” a 45-minute performance that melds elements of storytelling and stand-up comedy. Created and written by Mridul herself, the show reflects her insightful take on modern relationships. Produced by Excurators Events Pvt. Ltd., “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul” has already garnered attention when it was performed at the Spoken Fest in Mumbai. The show is now set to tour, with upcoming performances scheduled in Delhi, Dehradun, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
In an exclusive phone interview, Mridul shared the inspiration behind her new show, shedding light on her dynamic journey in theatre and what the future holds for her.
“Ridiculous Ms. Mridul is a blend of fictional and real experiences faced by women, narrated in a light-hearted, humorous way,” she explained. “It tackles themes of relationships, societal judgments on single women, and the whimsical yet harsh realities they often navigate. It’s about poking fun at the things we do, whether we are single or married. The show also examines the often-misunderstood state of being single in society.”
Expressing nerves about her first solo performance, Mridul acknowledged, “I’m nervous as hell! But I’m having fun with this show, and I think that’s something we all need in these dark times. If I can make even 10 people laugh, I’ll consider it a success. I love dark humor because it allows us to laugh at ourselves and the absurdity of life.”
Mridul’s passion for theatre is evident as she delves into her experiences on stage. “I love the stage and have always yearned to do more theatre.
. Although I have done some substantial plays in the past, it’s a relatively small part of my career. My last play was ‘August: Osage County’ in 2013 with Lillete Dubey, where I played the role originally portrayed by Julia Roberts. We toured with the play nationally and internationally, and it was an incredible experience.”
She continued, “I also performed in ‘Zen Katha: The Story of Bodhidharma,’ which was written by Partap Sharma and also directed by Lillete Dubey. For this role, I even trained in karate with Sensei Pervez Mistry. Another memorable play was ‘Double Deal,’ directed by Mahesh Dattani and based on the thriller novel ‘Killing Time’ by Richard Stockwell. It was an intense two-actor play with Mahesh Manjrekar.”
Reflecting on her multi-faceted career, Mridul remarked, “I have always chosen roles that excite me and offer something different from what I’ve done before. On television, even though I portrayed a popular ‘bahu,’ I never repeated that kind of role. I took on diverse characters – from my dual role in ‘Hubahu’ alongside Rajat Kapoor to my more dramatic parts in TV and film.”
When it came to cinema, Mridul pointed out how she carefully selects her projects. “While I thoroughly enjoyed films like ‘Saathiya,’ ‘Page 3,’ and ‘Honeymoon Travels,’ one of my personal favorites remains ‘Waisa Bhi Hota Hai.’ I look for roles that offer a fresh challenge and collaborate with people whose work I admire.”
Looking ahead, Mridul is excited about what the future holds. “My next piece, which I’ve written, addresses a serious topic in a more light-hearted manner. I have an applause show coming up and a new project starting in November. I believe in taking frequent breaks to maintain a happy and holistic life. Post-COVID, I’ve become particularly focused on spending quality time with myself, my family, and nature. I enjoy reading, writing, traveling, and walking in the mountains.”
Ending on a reflective note, Mridul shared, “I’m not someone who plans rigidly. I never anticipated becoming an actor; I left a promising corporate career on a whim because acting felt like my true calling.”
For those interested in catching “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul,” it will be performed on August 24th at 5 PM at The Piano Man Jazz Club in Malviya Nagar. Tickets, priced at ₹999 plus tax, are available on both Piano Man and Paytm Insider platforms.
