Sandhya Mridul, an actress renowned for her versatile roles across various entertainment platforms, has cemented her place in the hearts of viewers since her debut in the nineties. Known for her memorable performances in television soaps such as “Banegi Apni Baat,” “Swabhimaan,” and “Koshish – Ek Aashaa,” Mridul quickly became a household name. Transitioning into Bollywood, she continued to charm audiences with her debut in “Saathiya” (2002) and continued success in films like “Page 3” and “Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.” In recent years, she has also delved into the world of web series, bringing her talent to the digital space. Despite her multifaceted career, Mridul asserts that it is theatre that truly brings her joy.
Currently, Sandhya Mridul is touring with her latest theatrical performance, “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul.” This 45-minute show is an intriguing blend of storytelling and stand-up comedy, crafted entirely by Mridul herself. Reflecting her keen insights into modern relationships, the show has already graced the stage at the Spoken Fest in Mumbai and is set to tour cities such as Delhi, Dehradun, Bengaluru, and Kolkata in the coming weeks. Produced by Excurators Events Pvt. Ltd., the performance presents both fictional and real-life experiences of women, with a humorous take on relationships, men, and societal expectations.
In a candid phone interview, Mridul shared her inspiration behind “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul,” her experiences in theatre, and her future aspirations.
“Ridiculous Ms. Mridul is a slice-of-life narrative that shares the fictional and actual experiences of women,” Mridul explained. “It’s a fun, light-hearted reflection on relationships, men, and sex. We often don’t realize the absurdities of our actions, and the show pokes fun at these universal behaviors—whether we’re single or married. It also critiques the societal judgments cast upon single women, especially those who are perceived as attractive. The play sheds light on the misconceptions and the imaginary battle between blissfully single and unhappily married women. Although this is my first solo gig and I am nervous, I am genuinely having fun. Given the trying times we live in, if I can make even ten people laugh, I’ll consider it a success.”
Mridul’s love for theatre is palpable as she reminisces about her previous performances. “The stage has always been my first love.
. While I have done a few noteworthy plays, it’s unfortunate that my theatre work is limited. My last significant play was ‘August: Osage County’ in 2013 with Lillete Dubey. We had the India rights from the Hollywood film, and I played Julia Roberts’ role. It was an incredible experience touring the country and abroad. I also thoroughly enjoyed ‘Zen Katha: The Story of Bodhidharma’ with Lillete, penned by Partap Sharma, where I even learned karate from Sensei Pervez Mistry. Another memorable experience was a two-actor play called ‘Double Deal’ directed by Mahesh Dattani, based on Richard Stockwell’s thriller novel “Killing Time.””
Her journey across various entertainment mediums—cinema, TV, theatre, and OTT platforms—has been guided by a simple principle: passion. “I’ve always believed in doing work that excites me. I don’t take up roles just to stay busy or for monetary reasons,” she stated. “Every role I pick has to be different from the last; it has to challenge and intrigue me. While on television, I experimented with various roles. For instance, after playing a popular ‘bahu’ (daughter-in-law in Indian soaps), I diversified by doing a double role in ‘Hubahu’ with Rajat Kapoor. Likewise, in films, although I enjoyed working on ‘Saathiya,’ ‘Page 3,’ and ‘Honeymoon Travels,’ my favorite remains ‘Waisa Bhi Hota Hai.’ I am very particular about the roles I accept, and I’ve always aimed to remain fresh and relevant, avoiding overexposure.”
So, what does the future hold for Sandhya Mridul? “The next piece I’ve written tackles a serious subject in a light-hearted manner. I also have an applause show set to release soon and a new project starting in November. I like to take breaks frequently to lead a holistic and happy life, which involves reading, writing, traveling, and mountain walks. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the importance of family, self-time, and nature for me. Interestingly, I’m not much of a planner. Becoming an actor wasn’t something I predetermined; I left a promising corporate career on a whim, and here I am today.”
“Ridiculous Ms. Mridul” by Sandhya Mridul will be performed on August 24 at 5 PM at The Piano Man Jazz Club, Eldeco Centre, Malviya Nagar. Tickets are priced at ₹999 plus tax and are available on The Piano Man and Paytm Insider platforms.
Be sure to catch this insightful and hilariously honest exploration of modern womanhood, brought to life by an actress who has continually demonstrated her talent and passion for the performing arts.
