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.
