While other actors may get self-conscious about the amount of screen time they get in a project, Mrunal Thakur places a premium on compelling storytelling. She appeared in four web anthologies Ghost Stories (2020), Lust Stories 2 and the recently released Made In Heaven 2. The actor says, “Sometimes, filmmakers do ask me, ‘You are a heroine. Why would you play a small role, almost like a guest appearance, in someone else’s film?’ But this isn’t something I thought of nor do I want to think about it either.”

The 31-year-old likes to “keep experimenting” with the work she does and doesn’t let the length of the role stop her. “An actor’s biggest challenge is to deliver their performance in as little time as they can. One of the biggest examples of this, and a person I worship, is Irrfan (late actor) sir. He started with roles that didn’t have much screen space, but jitna bhi woh aate the, ek chaap chhod ke jaate the. And people remember that for life. He is my inspiration, and hence, screen space is never an issue for me,” asserts the actor, who has been part of films such as Batla House (2019), Toofaan (2021), Jersey (2022) and Gumraah.

Asked if she has ever felt apprehensive before signing any project that she wasn’t headlining, Thakur says, “What excites me is the filmmaker; each one of them has a different way of working and their journey is unique. I also want to change the definition of smaller roles. I work in this industry because I’m passionate about acting and the process of storytelling.”