Mrunal Thakur: My decision to work in a film will never be based on my character’s age

Jersey, starring Shahid Kapoor, may have underwhelmed at the box office, but leading lady Mrunal Thakur finds the sports drama to be a vital addition to her filmography. Her role in the Gowtam Tinnanuri-directed film was special to her. The actor told Mid Day that his character, Vidya, is a far cry from anything she has done previously, and it makes her pleased to see that it's being recognised.

In Jersey, the protagonists start out as starry-eyed college sweethearts, only to end up as a miserable married couple jaded by their unfulfilled dreams. Some actors may consider playing a mother to a seven-year-old to be a dangerous choice, but Thakur says a character's age isn't a deciding factor for her when picking parts. 

She told the tabloid that actors have been cast for their ability to perform a character, regardless of their age, at times. The industry has praised many of them for taking on the challenge. Her decision to work in a film has never been, and never will be, based on the age of her role.

It depends on whether or not the story speaks to her, as well as how difficult it would be to play a much younger or older version of herself. In such circumstances, make-up and styling do not help to elevate the performances. Rather, it's how she polishes the mannerisms of a character who isn't even close to her own age.

Female performers were once urged by so-called well-wishers to avoid ageing on screen. They would claim that it is incompatible with a leading lady's glamorous image. When asked if she had been given such advice, Thakur said, "Yes and no." The actor claimed that some people have reservations in this regard. She has met people who feel that the age of a character on screen counts. However, the times are changing. Most decision-makers understand that a skilled actor has the sense to cast roles based on the way the character is written, not on such factors.