Mouni Roy: Breaking Free from Labels and Chasing New Adventures!

Hey everyone! Get ready to dive into the inspiring journey of a Bollywood star who’s not afraid to speak her mind and break barriers. We’re talking about none other than Mouni Roy, the talented actress who has captivated our screens in everything from fantastical dramas to intense spy thrillers. She’s currently making waves with her role in JioHotstar’s upcoming espionage series, Salakaar, where she plays a spy. But did you know her path to success hasn’t been without its challenges, especially when it comes to being “typecast”?

What’s ‘Typecasting,’ Anyway?

Before we go further, let’s quickly understand what “typecasting” means. Imagine an actor who plays a superhero perfectly, and then suddenly, everyone thinks they can only play superheroes. That’s typecasting! It’s when people put an actor into a specific box based on their past roles, making it hard for them to explore new kinds of characters. Mouni Roy has faced this challenge throughout her amazing career.

From “Girl Next Door” to “Naagin” – The Journey of Labels

Mouni started her career with the popular show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which gave her a lot of recognition. She shared that right from the start of her acting journey, she often got put into certain “boxes”. For instance, after her role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, some people felt she could only play the “girl next door” and couldn’t handle a more glamorous part.

Then, she ventured into dance reality shows, and suddenly, the label changed! People started saying she was “too glamorous”. And when she took on the role of Sati, the feedback shifted again, with some commenting that she was “too Indian” for certain roles. It seems like no matter what she did, there was always a new label waiting!

The “Naagin” Effect and Beyond

One of Mouni’s most iconic roles was in Ekta Kapoor’s supernatural drama, Naagin, where she absolutely shone. While Naagin made her a household name and gained her immense popularity, it also brought a new form of typecasting. Mouni revealed that after Naagin, people started saying she could “only do fantasy fiction or mythological shows”.

But Mouni, being the versatile actress she is, continued to challenge these notions. She amazed audiences with her fierce portrayal of Junoon in Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s blockbuster movie, Brahmāstra, where she truly “slayed” her performance. She was also part of films like Made in China and Romeo Akbar Walter. Yet, even after these roles, she heard comments suggesting she was “good for these… not larger-than-life, but more outlandish roles”.

“It Doesn’t Bother Me Now!” – Mouni’s Empowering Take

The great news is that all these labels and past experiences don’t bother Mouni anymore. She’s learned to take it all “in her stride”. She confidently states, “It doesn’t matter whether you call me glamorous, stylish, or anything else–like saying she’s good for a certain kind of role.”. For her, the most important thing is when her performances “resonate with the audience and they receive it well”. This shows her true focus is on her craft and connecting with her viewers, not on restrictive labels.

A “Hungry and Greedy Actor” in the Best Way!

Mouni describes herself as a “hungry and greedy actor,” but in the best possible sense. She has a strong desire to be part of “great scripts, good storytelling, and work with different, like-minded people.”. Her ultimate goal is to “do roles that she has not done before”. This eagerness to explore new challenges is truly inspiring and shows her dedication to growing as an artist.

It’s clear that Mouni Roy is an actress who refuses to be confined by expectations. She’s switching gears, winning hearts, and proving her versatility with every new project, including her current spy role in Salakaar. On a personal note, Mouni is married to Dubai-based businessman Suraj Nambiar, and they tied the knot in January 2022.

So, next time you see Mouni Roy on screen, whether she’s battling mythical creatures or solving a spy mystery, remember her journey of breaking free and chasing her passion for diverse storytelling! She’s a true example of an artist embracing every challenge and looking forward to what’s next.