Sandhya Mridul’s illustrious career spans multiple platforms and genres, making her a beloved figure in the Indian entertainment industry. She first rose to prominence with iconic roles in TV soaps during the nineties. Her television journey included successful shows like “Banegi Apni Baat,” “Swabhimaan,” and “Koshish – Ek Aashaa.” Transitioning to the silver screen, she made her Bollywood debut with “Saathiya” in 2002, subsequently earning praise for her performances in films like “Page 3” and “Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.” Her versatility also extends to web series, but it is theatre that she holds especially dear.
Currently, Mridul is embarking on a new venture with her latest show, “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul.” This 45-minute performance is a unique blend of storytelling and stand-up comedy, penned and conceived by Mridul herself. The show, produced by Excurators Events Pvt. Ltd., was first unveiled at the Spoken Fest in Mumbai and is now set for a multi-city tour, including stops in Delhi, Dehradun, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
In an exclusive phone interview, Sandhya Mridul shed light on the inspiration behind “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul,” her experiences in the world of theatre, and her future plans.
**Inspiration and Concept**
When asked about the motivation behind “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul,” she explained that the show is a whimsical reflection of women’s fictional and real experiences. “It’s a fun, easy, light take on relationships, men, and sex,” Mridul stated. “It pokes fun at the quirky things we do without realizing it—whether we are single or married. The show also delves into societal judgments and misconceptions about single women, especially those who are attractive. It humorously contrasts the lives of blissfully single women with those unhappily married.”
Despite her extensive stage experience, Mridul confessed to feeling nervous about her first solo act. However, her primary objective is to bring joy to her audience. “In these dark times, even if I can make ten people laugh, I consider it a success,” she said. Mridul also loves incorporating dark humor, using it as a tool to highlight the often-misunderstood journeys of single women in society.
**Theatre: A Passionate Pursuit**
Sandhya Mridul’s affinity for theatre is palpable.
. Her theatrical journey has included notable performances such as “August: Osage County” with Lillete Dubey, where she took on the role played by Julia Roberts in the Hollywood film version. “We traveled with the play across the country and even abroad. It was a phenomenal experience with a fantastic ensemble cast,” she reminisced.
Another significant play in her repertoire is “Zen Katha: The Story of Bodhidharma,” written by Partap Sharma and also directed by Lillete Dubey. For this performance, Mridul trained in karate under Sensei Pervez Mistry. “I relish roles where I get to learn something new,” she revealed. She also recalled her participation in “Double Deal,” a two-actor play directed by Mahesh Dattani, based on Richard Stockwell’s thriller novel “Killing Time.”
**A Multifaceted Career**
Mridul’s career is marked by a series of thoughtful choices across various media. “I’ve always believed in doing work that excites me,” she explained. This principle has led her to a diverse array of roles, from mainstream TV dramas to unconventional film projects. “While I enjoyed doing films like ‘Saathiya,’ ‘Page 3,’ and ‘Honeymoon Travels,’ my personal favorite remains ‘Waisa Bhi Hota Hai,'” she said.
Carefully selecting her roles, Mridul avoids overexposure to maintain her freshness and relevance in the industry. “Acting for me is not a job. It is my love, and I don’t want to take on so much that I stop enjoying it,” she articulated, adding that she treasures the balance between her professional and personal life.
**Future Plans**
Looking ahead, Sandhya Mridul is excited about her upcoming projects. “My next piece touches on a serious topic in a humorous way,” she disclosed. She also has an applause show set to release soon and another project kicking off in November. Emphasizing the importance of self-care and family time, Mridul shared that she enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and immersing herself in nature.
“I’m not much of a planner,” she admitted. “I never anticipated becoming an actor. I had a promising corporate career but left it one day, drawn by my passion for acting.”
Catch “Ridiculous Ms. Mridul” on August 24, 5 PM at The Piano Man Jazz Club, Eldeco Centre, Malviya Nagar. Tickets, priced at ₹999 plus tax, are available on Piano Man and Paytm Insider platforms.
Through her innovative shows and selective roles, Sandhya Mridul continues to chart her unique course in the entertainment landscape, bringing laughter and insight to audiences everywhere.