Mrinal Kulkarni, an eminent actress from the Marathi and Hindi entertainment industry is a rare combination of beauty, talent and brain. Highly qualified, she was fortunate to work simultaneously in Hindi and Marathi, gaining rich experience with genuine appreciation and awards, which speaks volumes for her proficiency in acting.

With good family background- grandfather G. N. Dandekar being a well known writer and father being Principal of Pune’s prestigious S.P. College, Mrinal obviously excelled in academics, besides pursuing her acting career. Having won the S. G.. Malshe scholarship for studies in Literature and Linguistics, she did her Masters in Literature from the University of Pune.

Her rendezvous with dramatics began during her college days; although, she shot into fame after her debut at the young age of 16 through television serial “Swami”. After that Mrinal Kulkarni has never looked back. She was fortunate to work with some of the reputed Producers, Writers and Directors in the industry like, Gajanan Jahgirdar, Ved Rahi, Ravi Rai, Vikas Desai, Sanjay Surkar, Sanjay Khan, Surendra Mohan, Basu Bhattacharya, Jabbar Patel, Kumar Sohoni, Amol Palekar and Gajendra Ahire to name a few.
Mrinal Kulkarni
Mrinal also had the privilege of experimenting with a wide range of characters, with diverse persona, like Ramabai, Meera and Jijamata . Who can forget her brilliant double role in the Marathi film “Jodidar” ? This role had won her two awards in the same year. Always looking forward to challenges, Mrinal has always been comfortable in any role, be it a historical character or a contemporary role with composure. A resolute and genuine performer, her sincerity is reflected in all her characters, which have earned her millions of well wishers.

Marathi Movie World spoke to this gifted talented actress. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: We have seen you as a successful actress over the years. Besides acting, what are your other interests?

A: I am an ardent reader and a hard core mountaineer, who loves to go on trekking. I also love to travel a lot. It is for this purpose, I keep my entire month of May free to be with my family. We plan a long vacation during this time compulsorily, once in a year.

Q: You also happen to be the grand-daughter of Great Marathi writer G. N. Dandekar. Whether you have continued his legacy through writing?
A: Initially I used to write my column ‘Maitrin’ . then I wrote my own book titled ‘Make up Utravlyavar’ – a Samakaleen Publication. At present I am regularly writing my column in Sakal paper under the title ‘Tanishqa’. It is mainly to inspire women from different fields.

Q: You mean, it is necessary for people involved in your profession to spend their vacation once in a year ?
A: At least, I feel so. It refreshes you a lot to be back in action.

Q: Newcomers in the industry look upon you as a role model of fitness. How do you maintain your fitness level ?
A: I do at least one hour workout daily. It could be anything, either exercising in the Gym or walking. But, I don’t miss my workout.

Q: How you have been able to maintain a perfect balance between Hindi and Marathi industry, in your successful career ?
A: According to me, For every artiste, patience is the key for success . I was fortunate to use it well without any selfish motive. And, it has worked well so far. It’s a proven fact.

Q: But, it is said that you were lucky to find good roles. What you have to say about that?
A: I wasn’t lucky. I made my selection of roles. Here again, I would say, I could afford to wait. It is not necessary to be 24 hours or 30 days busy to be successful.

Q: Don’t you think that the title role you played in ‘Avantika’ and the present role of Naina in the ongoing new serial ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ have striking similarity ?
A: No, not at all. On the contrary, these two are totally contrast roles. Avantika was very bold and reacted quickly at any given situation, whereas Naina is a paranoid and emotional housewife.