She is India’s beloved ‘Sonpari’, leaving a trail of success
as she entered the world of films as a young girl of 16. A rare combination of
beauty and talent, Mrinal Kulkarni’s contribution to Marathi and Hindi cinema
has been immense over the years. From her debut as Peshwa Queen Ramabai in
‘Swami’ (TV), she piled on the accolades and performances.
Her latest inning, ‘Yellow’, is very close to her heart and she considers it a life-altering experience. “I have never done a film with a special child or, for that matter, interacted much with special children earlier. I, like most people, tended to sympathise with them, but never really wanted to do or understand much about it,” confesses Mrinal. But ‘Yellow’, which tells the story of a special child Gauri Gadgil, an Olympic silver medallist (swimming), was an eye-opening experience for Mrinal. “Initially, I was a bit diffident about working with these children and all of a sudden there were so many to meet at the Centre. But what brought about a change in my attitude was the way these children and their parents conducted themselves in the face of so much hardship. They are so positive that you cannot help but be inspired by them. Special children are much more special,” she avers. The film winning the National Award is a testimony to this fact.
Playing the lead in Rajendra Talak’s ‘A Rainy Day’ has been an equally challenging experience for Mrinal. “The film deals with the issue of corruption and a wife who plays the conscience of us all. As there were very few lines to speak, I had to emote my character through expressions and that was a challenge,” she admits.
Back in her favourite locale for the International Film Festival of India where these two films are being shown, Mrinal admits that she would love to do more movies in Goa, especially a Konkani one.
Elated that eight Marathi films are being screened in the Panorama Section, Mrinal firmly believes that Marathi Cinema has come of age. “There is a new direction, new vision, new subjects; Marathi cinema rocks,” enthuses this actress who has also turned to direction in recent years and would like to explore different topics in Marathi cinema.