Sandhya Mridul, with her prominent jaw line and smouldering eyes, brims with energy. At the press conference of a play she recently acted in, “August Osage County”, directed by Lilette Dubey, she's vivacious and talks to everyone she meets, all the while cracking jokes and giggling. “I'm funnier than people realise. But they take me way too seriously.” Then she does a volte-face and becomes serious. “Naseerudin Shah told me once, humour comes from pain.” Again, Sandhya confuses you by switching back to her playful self. She jokes about her role of Barbara in ‘August Osage County'. “Barbara abuses a lot. Now please, I don't abuse. So many people think I do so because of the character!” she says, going into hysterics.
Sandhya, the feisty actress, began her career in the popular '90s serial “Swabhiman”. She later acted in such serials such as “Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin”, “Banegi Apni Baat”, “Koshish” and “Hu Ba Hu”. She is best known for her filmi roles in “Saathiya” and “Page 3”. Recently, she entered a new phase in her career—as casting director for “Love, Breakups, Zindagi”. Sandhya contends that casting in Bollywood is rarely credible. “Most of the casting is publicity rather than talent-based. I want forgotten talent to be brought to the fore. Only deserving people should be cast.”
Her not-so-remarkable career in films hasn't discouraged Sandhya. Theatre has allowed her to express the artiste within. “I'm glad I pour my energy into plays. Unlike films, theatre allows for interaction on a deeper level among the actors and the director. It also brings people closer and creates feelings of community. No one works with as much intensity in films as they do in theatre. Theatre makes one aware of their entire body. I'm confident about my acting skills, but in theatre there is no place for complacency. It shakes me up!” she concludes, this time rushing to attend to some other commitments.
