Photographed by Tejas Nerurkar
Introduction: In the vibrant world of entertainment, few journeys are as captivating as that of Mouni Roy. From her early days in college, where she discovered her love for dancing and acting, to making waves in both television and film, her story is one of passion, perseverance, and undeniable talent. We caught up with her to discuss the pivotal moments in her career, the challenges she faced, and her thoughts on style and social media.
A Fortuitous Beginning: When asked about the turning point that led her to pursue acting as a profession, Mouni reflects, “I have always loved dancing and acting in college plays but never thought I’d pursue it professionally. I guess it was destiny. I happened to be passing by an audition near a community center on my way to university, and someone called out asking if I wanted to audition. A few of us auditioned just for fun, and that’s how I came to Mumbai. I truly believe it was meant to be, otherwise, a girl from Cooch Behar wouldn’t have had the courage to come to Mumbai on her own.”
Inspiration from the Legends: Throughout her journey, Mouni has drawn inspiration from various sources. “It’s never been just one person who inspires me. I believe real life is the best source of inspiration, but I do admire the work of Waheeda Rehman Ji and Madhuri Ma’am. The way they emote with their eyes is incredible. On set, though, I always follow my director’s vision and brief.”
Navigating the Transition: Having started her career in television, she faced unique challenges while transitioning to films. “What people find challenging is subjective. I consider myself very fortunate in the larger scheme of things. However, there has been a stigma associated with working in TV, which sometimes made it difficult for me to be considered for certain roles. That said, I remain grateful to the television industry, as it has given me everything I have today.”
Milestones in Her Career: Each project has marked a significant milestone in her career. “I can’t choose a favorite. Gold was my first film, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Naagin brought me all the love and adulation, while Junoon gave me the respect I had longed for. And, of course, dancing brings immense joy to my heart.”
The Preparation Process: When preparing for a role, Mouni follows a thoughtful process. “Usually, it starts with reading the script alongside the writer, director, and other actors. Sometimes, you get to do workshops, but other times it’s more spontaneous. I ask a lot of questions and follow my director’s vision, as I believe you’re only as good as your director.”
Fashion as a Personal Expression: Her style is often viewed as an extension of her personality. “Style, for me, is personal. It’s an extension of my personality. I don’t really follow trends; I wear what I like and what feels good. I dress according to the occasion, and I’m fortunate to have amazing stylist friends who help me out. Ultimately, I wear what makes me look and feel confident.”
Striking a Balance: In balancing her demanding work life and personal time, she emphasises being present. “When I’m working, I’m fully focused. My personal space is sacred, and it’s not hard for me to balance both. Both my husband and I travel a lot for work, so when we get time together or with family, we prioritize that.”
Navigating Social Media :With the rise of social media, Mouni has found her approach. “Social media has become an increasingly significant part of everyone’s work life. It’s fun to explore new ways to engage with it and promote your work, but it’s essential to limit your time on it. I’ve actually installed an app to help me manage how much time I spend on social media.”
Exciting Projects Ahead :Looking to the future, Mouni shares her excitement about upcoming projects. “I finished shooting a horror-comedy in March, which should be released in theatres around August. There’s also a song coming out at the end of June or early July that I’m really excited about. The second part of Showtime should release soon, and there are a couple of other projects, but I have to wait for the makers to announce them.”
A Heartfelt Message to Fans : As we concluded the interview, Mouni expressed her gratitude to her fans. “To all my fans and followers, I want to convey my immense gratitude for the love and support you’ve given me over the years. I never take it for granted. Thank you from the bottom of my heart—I love you.”
Conclusion : Mouni Roy’s journey from a college dancer to a beloved actress is a testament to her passion and determination. As she continues to captivate audiences with her performances, we eagerly await her next ventures in the world of entertainment.
Credits:
Produced by: @facemag.in Publisher: @harshithundet Creative Direction and Styling: @meraki_production_house Photographer: @tejasnerurkarr Assistant Creative Director: @sarinabudathoki Assistant Shoot Coordinator:@iampriyankasethi Makeup Artist: @chettiaralbertHair Stylist: @bhavyaarora Cinematographer: @muhammadkharbeVideo Editor:@utpal_5551 @jaldieditkarnaDesigner:@dollyjstudio Jeweller:@svaraajewels Location: @ohsosillybombay
