‘I had the guts to refuse saas bahu shows’

Mrinal Kulkarni, who plays a crusader in Neelanjana, is glad she didn’t succumb to the stereotype, writes Shameem Khan

Neelanjana reminds me of the film Kamala
I have done all types of roles-a hurt wife in Hasratein, a confused girlfriend in Sparsh, a fairy in Sonpari and even a widow in Solhah Singarr. So when the role of a crusader came to me, I was game. Neelanjana reminds me of the film Kamala, which starred Deepti Naval and Shabana Azmi. I play Shabana’s role where I go all out to give this village girl her rightful identity. It’s an honest portrayal of how a citizen can contribute to society.

On her Jhoom India experience
I was apprehensive about doing this show, so I did it. The best thing I gained from it was loads of confidence. Amidst a cheering audience and in between music and dance, we had to concentrate on getting our act right. Also it was a good deviation from the same boring 9 am to 10 pm shifts. I am game for another reality show, probably something on the lines of Fear Factor.

On refusing saas bahu shows
I had the courage to say no to the beaten-to-death saas bahu shows. There is a clan of actors who have kept themselves away from this. I would count myself amongst them. I only hope that we have the patience to let this phase pass. I feel that things are slowly but surely changing. 

On young girls playing protagonists
Very young girls are playing leads in shows today. This will mature them before time. There’s a time for everything—for work, play and family. I too started work at the age of 15 but I had set my priorities right. Even today I make sure that I have enough time to my family and hobbies.

On her family
I would credit my family for supporting me. Earlier, I was based in Pune. But that was not practical if I had to work in Mumbai. My husband (Ruchir Kulkarni, lawyer) and I keep shuttling between the two places. We go on an annual holiday every year with our son Veerajas (he’s schooling). We remain updated about each other all the time.