Mreenal credits her acting skills to her experience in theatre. She considers herself fortunate to be a part of some of the leading names in theatre such as Paritosh Painter’s Hindi comedy Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai and his English play Amar, Akbar and Tony, Vipul Mehta's Hum Le Gaye Tum Rahe Gaye with Javed Jaffery, Ramesh Talwar's Dr.Mukta with the legendary Jaya Bachchan and Nadira Babbar's Yaahudi Ladki.
Instagram - @mreenaldeshraj
I belong to an illustrious family which holds a rich background in culture, sports, and social activities. As a Mayor of Nagpur, my grandfather, Pannalal Kanhaiyalal Deshraj, contributed to the welfare of the city in a huge way. My father, Kiran Kumar Deshraj, an accomplished arm wrestler, is currently the Vice President of International Arm-wrestling Federation (USA) and Vice President of the Indian Powerlifting Federation.
Added to his list of honours, he is also the 1st Referee at the International Grade level. My mother, Dr.Rajyashree Deshraj, an Ayurvedic Medical Practitioner by profession holds a penchant for arm-wrestling, too. A renowned champion, she has won several awards and trophies and is actively involved in the Women’s Arm-wrestling Federation.
My brother, Manish Kiran Deshraj, is a reputed lawyer who also dabbles in real estate and insurance consulting. My other two sisters are well-settled in the USA.
When a young girl from Nagpur arrived in Mumbai for a holiday, little did I know that kismat had huge plans for me - plans that would change the course of my life. Meet Mreenal Deshraj.
2. Did you ever dream of being an actor?
My tryst with acting began when, on a vacation to the city of dreams, I was spotted at the Prithvi theatre. I began my career as an actor, with theatre veteran, Nadira Babbar’s play, Ekjute. Seven plays later, I bagged my first television role in Balaji Telefilms’ Kahin Toh Hoga. As Shipra Arora, the negative lead, I soon became a household name.
3.How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?
First you need to have the conviction that you can do it and most importantly what you wanna do? When you approach a career you have to be very passionate towards it. Specially if you want to become an actor, you should be prepared to struggle a lot. You have to be open about it.
When a young girl from Nagpur arrived in Mumbai for a holiday, little did I know that kismat had huge plans for me - plans that would change the course of my life. Meet Mreenal Deshraj.
2. Did you ever dream of being an actor?
My tryst with acting began when, on a vacation to the city of dreams, I was spotted at the Prithvi theatre. I began my career as an actor, with theatre veteran, Nadira Babbar’s play, Ekjute. Seven plays later, I bagged my first television role in Balaji Telefilms’ Kahin Toh Hoga. As Shipra Arora, the negative lead, I soon became a household name.
3.How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?
First you need to have the conviction that you can do it and most importantly what you wanna do? When you approach a career you have to be very passionate towards it. Specially if you want to become an actor, you should be prepared to struggle a lot. You have to be open about it.
If you are not passionate towards your craft you will not sustain for long. So this industry is very competitive and it’s growing everyday. New faces , new talents , so sustain you should have some special talent in you which will make you different from others. And may be that can work for you, if you believe in yourself. Networking is very very important.
You need to have a very strong support system, who will be your pillar of strength (like your family, friends or your partner) you should also have a plan B. Because downfall doesn’t come with a date. You have to be prepared.
4. If not this what would you be doing?
May be I would be a life couch, health couch .. something to do with giving gyan.
5. For a complete with inroads, what advice would you like to give?
Work on your craft, the most important thing. You should know your craft. Be prepared for the worst, downfall, rejections, insecurity. You have to face lot of setbacks, failures. You need to have a security net from your family or your partner.
4. If not this what would you be doing?
May be I would be a life couch, health couch .. something to do with giving gyan.
5. For a complete with inroads, what advice would you like to give?
Work on your craft, the most important thing. You should know your craft. Be prepared for the worst, downfall, rejections, insecurity. You have to face lot of setbacks, failures. You need to have a security net from your family or your partner.
You have to be mentally very strong to handle all the negative energies and people. You need to make lot of friends, network and you have to be humble. If not then in long run you will face the consequences .
6. What is your mantra of success?
6. What is your mantra of success?
Don’t give up on your dreams
7.Which is your favourite book and why?
'The Secret' book is by Rhondo Byrne. It’s based on the belief of the law of attraction, which claims that thoughts can change a persons life directly. What you can visualize, you can get it.
7.Which is your favourite book and why?
'The Secret' book is by Rhondo Byrne. It’s based on the belief of the law of attraction, which claims that thoughts can change a persons life directly. What you can visualize, you can get it.
- Interviewed by - Shivani Singh
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