Sandhya Mridul has had a successful career in acting across various platforms, becoming a household name with her roles in popular TV soaps during the nineties. Her journey began with memorable roles in television shows such as *Banegi Apni Baat*, *Swabhimaan*, and *Koshish – Ek Aashaa*. Following her stint on television, she made a successful transition to Bollywood with her debut in *Saathiya* (2002). She continued to impress audiences with her performances in notable films like *Page 3* and *Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd*. In recent years, she has also ventured into web series. Despite exploring various mediums, Mridul asserts that theatre remains her primary source of joy.
Currently, Sandhya Mridul is touring with her latest performance, *Ridiculous Ms. Mridul*. This 45-minute show, a blend of storytelling and stand-up comedy, was written and created by Mridul herself and mirrors her insights into modern relationships. Produced by Excurators Events Pvt. Ltd., it recently captivated audiences at the Spoken Fest in Mumbai. The show is now set to visit Delhi this weekend, with subsequent performances scheduled in cities like Dehradun, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
In an exclusive phone interview, Sandhya Mridul opened up about the inspiration behind her latest show, her ongoing journey in theatre, and her future plans.
**What is the inspiration behind *Ridiculous Ms. Mridul*?**
“*Ridiculous Ms. Mridul* is a slice-of-life narrative that combines fictional and real experiences of women,” Mridul explained. “It’s a fun, light-hearted take on relationships, men, and sex. The show humorously critiques the often unnoticed actions of both single and married women. It also examines society’s judgments on single women, the assumptions made if they are attractive, and the many prevailing misconceptions. Moreover, it highlights the imagined conflict between blissfully single women and unhappily married women.”
Despite her experience, Mridul admitted she is extremely nervous about her first solo performance. “But at the end of the day, I’m just having fun with this show – something we desperately need in these dark times. Making even just ten people laugh makes me happy. I believe in dark humour and think it’s essential to make fun of ourselves. In everything I do, besides the humour, there’s always a point I’m making. In *Ridiculous Ms. Mridul*, I focus on the journey of a single woman and how her life is frequently judged, lonely, and misunderstood.”
**How has your experience in theatre been so far?**
“I love the stage, and I’ve always wanted to spend more time doing theatre,” Mridul shared. “I have done a few exceptional plays in the past but, unfortunately, not enough theatre.
. My last play was *August: Osage County* in 2013 with Lillete Dubey, where we had the Indian rights from the original Hollywood film. I played Julia Roberts’ part, and we toured across the country and abroad. It was an amazing experience with a large ensemble cast.”
Mridul also performed in *Zen Katha: The Story of Bodhidharma* with Lillete, written by Partap Sharma. “For that play, I learned karate from Sensei Pervez Mistry, which was an exhilarating experience. I enjoy doing roles where I get to learn something new. Another commendable play I participated in was *Double Deal* with Mahesh Manjrekar, directed by Mahesh Dattani. It is based on the thriller novel *Killing Time* by Richard Stockwell.”
**Can you discuss your journey across cinema, TV, theatre, and OTT platforms?**
“I have always believed in doing work that excites me,” Mridul elaborated. “I don’t just do projects to stay busy or for financial gain. I prefer roles that are different from what I’ve done before. Even on television, though I played a traditional ‘bahu’, I never repeated such roles. For instance, I ventured into diverse roles in *Koshish — Ek Aashaa* and performed a double role in *Hubahu* with Rajat Kapoor.”
“In cinema, my personal favourite was *Waisa Bhi Hota Hai*, though I thoroughly enjoyed working in *Saathiya*, *Page 3*, and *Honeymoon Travels*. I’m selective about the roles and teams I work with – each role must differ from the last. Acting isn’t just a job to me; it’s my passion. I avoid overburdening myself to ensure I continue enjoying my craft. The fact that people still find me fresh is rewarding. It implies I haven’t overexposed myself and remain relevant with choices still available to me.”
**What are your plans for the future?**
“My next piece, which I’ve written, addresses a serious topic humorously. I have a show with Applause Entertainment releasing soon and a new project starting in November. I make it a point to take breaks and step back to lead a well-rounded, happy life. I enjoy reading, writing, traveling, and exploring nature. Since COVID-19, I prioritize spending time with myself, my family, and nature. I’m not naturally a planner; in fact, I never expected to become an actor. I had a thriving corporate career, which I left quite impulsively one day.”
**Upcoming Show Details**
*Ridiculous Ms. Mridul* by Sandhya Mridul will be held on August 24th at 5 pm at The Piano Man Jazz Club, Eldeco Centre, Malviya Nagar. Tickets are priced at ₹999 plus tax and can be purchased via the Piano Man website or Paytm Insider.
The Hindu MetroPlus.
