Mrinal Kulkarni

Be it the role of a simple homemaker, a wronged woman, a mythological character or even a do-gooder fairy, Mrinal Kulkarni has managed to do justice to every character that she has chosen to associate with. Fresh from the reality show Jjhoom India where she partnered Sudesh Bhonsle, Mrinal is now playing a character with grey shades in Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat in STAR Plus.

“Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat is not a historical, but is a serial set in today’s times. I play Chhoti Rani, the younger queen of a kingdom. The character, though not wholly negative, has grey shades,” smiles Mrinal who has earlier been seen in serials like Teacher, Hasratein and Sonpari.

“I am playing such a role for the first time in my career and I am glad that the audience has been extremely encouraging and appreciative,” she adds.

However, things at Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat haven’t been all hunkydory. Mrinal’s role was initially mired in controversy with the Scindias of Gwalior objecting to the fact that the character was called Rajmata. “That’s true. There was a bit of a hitch initially with the character being addressed as Rajmata. It was changed to Rani Saahiba and things are absolutely fine now,” says Mrinal. “However, as far as I am concerned, I am happy because I feel that with the name change my character has got a promotion of sorts,” she laughs.

Doesn’t life on the small screen get taxing, especially if one is left to two or more daily soaps at a time. Mrinal disagrees. “Besides Raja… I am doing Neelanjana on 9x and Solhah Singaar on Sahara One. Contrary to what other actors feel, it is not that difficult to make time for 2-3 projects at a time. I shoot for all these serials through the month and yet have time for family and friends,” smiles the actress.

It is not only as an actress that Mrinal has made a name for herself. Despite not making it to the final stages of the contest, her singing abilities came in for a lot of praise on Jjhoom India.

“Jjhoom India was a wonderful experience and made me realise that I could sing too. If an opportunity like this comes my way again, I will be more than willing to take it up,” says Mrinal.