THE GOLDEN GIRL: MOUNI ROY

FROM BEING ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR FACES ON THE SMALL SCREEN TO GRACING THE SILVER SCREEN TODAY, MOUNI ROY HAS BEEN ADORED EVERY WHERE. SHE IS AS PASSIONATE AS SHE IS STUNNING - POURING HER HUNDRED PERCENT IN EVERYTHING SHE DOES. SIMPLY FOCUSING ON LIVING IN THE MOMENT AND CELEBRATING HER LIFE, ONE STEP AT A TIME. IN A CANDID COLOQUY, MOUNI UNFURLS HER HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, LOCKDOWN DIARIES, AND THE ROAD SHE SEES AHEAD FOR HER.

- Parineeta Sethi & Vidhi Gupta

Starting off, what has the journey been like for you from a model turned TV actor to being on the big screen?

I have never really modeled professionally, but this has been quite a roller coaster ride. I have seen a lot of ups and downs and my own share of struggles. Although along with it, I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing people and have learnt so much while growing from my own mistakes. I have learned so much from just observing, both personally and professionally. It has been 12 years of being in this industry and it has been tough, but I would not have it any other way. I am most thankful for this and I hope to continue to do so.

Was acting always the plan or was it something you explored along the way?

Since I was a kid, I loved to dance and sing, sometimes paint and do pottery. I was a part of my Uni street theater and Dramatic Society, but I had never really thought about taking it up professionally. There was a teeny tiny thing in my heart that really wanted to be an actor, I guess. But, that was never ever the plan. My father was a WBCS officer, so my initial plan while growing up was to become an IAS officer. I did my English Honours from Miranda house and then my Masters in Mass Communication from Jamia. I had written my dissertation related to theater, so I guess I was on a complete academic route. Eventually, I wanted to sit for civil services’ exams, but life, like always, has had different plans for me.

When I got my first opportunity with Balaji Telefilms, I was just walking outside my Uni and somebody tapped my shoulder and said, there are auditions going on and if I would like to come and audition. Before I knew it, I was in Bombay shooting.