‘I Don’t Shy Away’: Mrunal Thakur Says Aditya Dhar Was the First Director She Asked for Work

Actor Mrunal Thakur has opened up about the persistence that shaped her career, revealing that filmmaker Aditya Dhar was the first person she directly approached for work.

Mrunal began her film journey with the Marathi movie Hello Nandan before making her Bollywood debut in Super 30. However, she says the path to consistent opportunities required active effort and self-advocacy.

“I Had to Create My Own Opportunities”

In a recent interview, Mrunal shared that she never waited passively for roles. Instead, she introduced herself to directors and made her ambition clear. According to her, being visible and vocal about wanting to work became a strategy for survival in a competitive industry.

She admitted that in the early days, approaching filmmakers felt awkward, but she gradually learned that confidence and clarity about one’s goals are essential in the creative field.

Approaching the Director of ‘Dhurandhar’

Mrunal recalled that Aditya Dhar, known for directing Dhurandhar, was the first filmmaker she gathered the courage to approach. She later reflected on that meeting, describing it as a moment she would always remember because she was still learning how to communicate professionally.

Over time, what once felt uncomfortable transformed into empowerment. She now believes that expressing admiration for a filmmaker’s craft and openly seeking collaboration can positively influence creative partnerships.

Inspired by ‘Mom’

Mrunal also revealed that watching Mom, starring the late Sridevi, deeply inspired her. She was so moved by the film that she personally told its director, Ravi Udyawar, that she hoped to work with him someday.

That aspiration has now materialised, as Ravi Udyawar is directing her upcoming film.

Next Release: ‘Do Deewane Seher Mein’

Mrunal will next be seen in Do Deewane Seher Mein, opposite Siddhant Chaturvedi. The romantic drama is produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and is scheduled for a theatrical release on February 20, 2026.

With growing recognition across industries, Mrunal credits her early determination and willingness to ask for work as key factors behind her steady rise in cinema.