That she is genetically blessed to become an actor, was proven by Mrunmayee Lagoo through her amazing performances in films like “Bayo”, “Saatchya Aat Gharat” and “Mukkam Post London”. However, this talented daughter of actor Reema Lagoo, is as versatile as her mother.
Instead of restricting herself simply to films, the girl has put her creative juices to good use via a stint in advertising; has dabbled (and excelled) in dance-forms like Bharatnatyam, Jazz and Salsa; has done some amazing theatre such as “All About Women” and “Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?”; and has assisted in the direction of movies like “3 Idiots” and now, Karan Johar's upcoming ambitious venture. Amidst all this, Mrunmayee has recently made her debut as a Bollywood actor via Raja Unninathan-directed “Hello Zindagi”.
Excerpts from a tête-à-tête with Mrunmayee about life so far…
Tell us about your role in “Hello Zindagi”.
My character Kavita is just out of college and does not know what to do with her life. Her parents expect her to find a job and settle down but that is not what her heart desires. In her journey to find her calling, she faces some disillusionment and hence becomes rebellious; she also makes a lot of mistakes in the process. Finally she meets a man who is working towards the cause of saving Olive Ridley turtles. How she finds peace and purpose in that and settles down, is what the story of Kavita is all about.
How did you prepare for this role?
In terms of the look, it was that of a regular college girl who is trying to look different. From within, Kavita is not a rebellious girl. She just wants to stand out in the crowd. To portray these facets of her personality, we made Kavita look a little grungy and tom-boyish. Her mannerisms had to be sans inhibitions. I had to work on that aspect, as I am a relatively introverted person.
After acting in a couple of Marathi films, what prompted this move into Bollywood?
I do not believe in planning anything. I chose to do “Hello Zindagi” purely because I liked the script. It was in Hindi, hence the tag Bollywood. Had it been in Bengali or Marathi or a South Indian language I would have still done it.
Would it be safe to say that you're following your mother's (Reemaji's) words of advice, when it comes to charting your career? Does it make things (roles, choice of roles, adaptation of a character etc) easier to understand having such an accomplished actress for a mother?
My mother and father give me support and encourage me. I like to take things as they come. Hence the question of charting a career graph is out. I do take their advice on the choices I make. Having parents from the same field helps all kids, be it law, medicine or films. However it can only help so much — the rest of your success depends on how you deliver.
Which have been your mother's films/roles that you have really liked and/or been influenced by? Do you see yourself becoming more of character artiste like her or is your calling more a glamorous, starry one?
I loved her role in “Vaastav” and all the Rajshri films, be it “Maine Pyaar Kiya” or “Hum Aapke Hain Kaun”. She brings believability and naturalness to every character she plays. I love that about her. That is something I will try to do. As for the type or kind of actor I will be is something we will eventually see as time unfolds.
In the interim, you chose to veer away to get behind the camera, from before it. What was the reason behind the same?
I must clarify that my stint behind the camera was not in the interim. In fact, it was acting that happened to me by chance. My primary interest has always been behind the camera. I have not taken any formal training in the same, but I started from the lowest level and now I have learnt a lot and also there is a lot more to learn.
How was the experience of working on a super hit film like “3 Idiots”? Any memorable experiences to share from the same? Also, having observed actors like Aamir and now Kajol at their craft, do you find it influencing your histrionics in any way?
As clichéd as it may sound the experience was wonderful. I learned a lot. All of them while being extremely talented people, are also wonderful human beings. It also feels exhilarating to be a part of history. I feel lucky. While shooting the film, I was amazed to see the bonding between the entire cast and crew. We actually had a cricket match where every single department had a team of their own, direction, camera, production, hair and makeup etc. When the atmosphere and the commitment is such, it's no wonder that the film has done so well. As for working with Aamir, the experience I feel ended too quickly. I could work with him forever! Kajol happens to be my all time favourite actress hence to be able to watch her perform is simply awesome.
What do your future plans entail? Will we see more of you on-screen or do you plan to return back to behind the camera?
I do not believe in planning my life. It has never worked for me. I love to work behind the camera and have been fortunate to have also faced it. I'm game for whatever life serves me next. I look forward to assisting many more directors whom I admire, while the eventual plan is to write and direct a film someday.
Lastly, tell us what is Mrunmayee Lagoo beyond films?
I love travelling and reading. I can sit at home all day and watch films and eat Chinese. I either eat or shop to de-stress. But what I love most is to get behind a book and escape into fantasy every so often!
