Mouni Roy, who is basking in the success of her latest release, Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, is on cloud nine these days. She is happy with the love and recognition she is garnering for her role in the movie. In an exclusive chat with The Free Press Journal, she opens up about her character, filming experience, and more. Excerpts:
How does it feel to take the centre stage in a film like Brahmastra...?
It is extremely overwhelming and a shocking surprise. Although I knew that I hadn’t done a bad job, and Ayan Mukerji and Karan (Johar) sir had also told me that people would be surprised to see me as Junoon, but when you don’t expect it, it’s like a pleasant surprise.
Brahmastra... is easily one of the most talked about films of recent times. How did it all begin for you?
I was shooting in London when the casting director called me and pitched me a special appearance role in a big film, and he told me that it’s a Ranbir-Alia film. I went to meet Ayan for a 10-minute meeting, but we ended up talking for about three and a half hours. He explained the whole world of Brahmastra and what he is planning for the film to me. I was completely sold, and after 4-5 months, my character became a full-fledged negative lead role.
A still from the film |
Your role is kind of a parallel lead to Ranbir, Alia, and even Shah Rukh Khan? Were you intimidated?
I was very nervous while shooting the first few days with all of them. Whether it is Amitabh Bachchan sir, Shah Rukh Khan sir, Nagarjuna sir, Ranbir or Alia, they are all such talented actors. They are legendary, literally. For actors, the biggest challenge lies between the action and the cut. The moment the camera was on, I knew that I had to give my best. I kept my nervousness aside while giving my shot and continued it while waiting on the sets.
Naagin has done a lot for your equity as an actor. Do you feel Brahmastra... is a game changer for you?
I hope so. Well, Naagin is something that has given me so much love, name, and fame on Indian television, which is a rare thing. I am thankful to Ektaa Kapoor ma’am for having cast me for the role. But, to play Junoon is challenging since it was very different than Naagin as I had to unlearn many things for it. Ayan was very clear that I should not be loud and caricatured but that she should look powerful even while talking and standing. I am glad that I am getting so much love to play Junoon, and I hope it translates into more versatile work.
After Naagin, Junoon is yet another negative character in your kitty. Are you scared of being typecast?
No, not at all. It’s such a good time to be an actor. There are so many different roles being written today, and OTT should be given credit for that. Substantial roles are written for females, and it doesn’t matter whether they are positive or negative. All my life, I have played positive characters. People know that actors are just actors. I feel the role should be meaty and there’s something to contribute to the story.
What was your husband’s reaction after watching you as Junoon?
He is so proud of me. He actually embarrassed me by making t-shirts with my face for 40-50 people, and we all went to see the film in the theatre together. My friends are my biggest critics, so I was very nervous. My husband was hooting and whistling throughout. It was such an unreal moment for me. This is my biggest blessing and takeaway from the film, I feel.
