Going places!

Mreenal Deshraj belongs to an illustrious family, which holds a rich background in culture, sports, and social activities. Mreenal stated that education was always an important part of her upbringing. She believes that fitness and good health are the way to a sound body and Zen mind. After her stint in theatre she bagged a plum role in TV series 'Kahin Toh Hoga' and since then there is no looking back for her.

Excerpts:

How did you begin your journey in acting?
I came to Mumbai on a vacation and began my career as an actor, with theatre veteran Nadira Babbar’s play, ‘Ekjute’. About seven plays later I bagged my first television role in Balaji Telefilms’ 'Kahin Toh Hoga' as Shipra Arora, the negative lead. And from there on my journey began.

It is said that you had a role in Bollywood movie 'Vivaah', are you still open for roles in Bollywood?
Yes, if I get a good role but then I don't know anybody in movies, so it is difficult to grab a role.

How did you land up the role in ‘Ishqbaaz’?
I got a call from the production house for a look test. I gave the audition a year before the show went on air. After my audition, I went for the US. They then called me for the shoot but I was not available. After six months when I came back, I got a call again and I went for the look test and in a months’ time, I signed the project. I guess it was my destiny. I was not keen on doing a character, which was alcoholic but the production house convinced me and I decided to take up the role. This was my first role after the one-and-half-years break.

How is the equation with the team of ‘Ishqbaaz’?
I have an awesome equation with the entire team of ‘Ishqbaaz’. Production, direction department, and actors, they are my second family. I enjoy going on sets and working. We all are a big team and an awesome family and we all love each other. There is no competition as we all are different and there is no comparison. Our roles are well defined and that's why the whole environment is very friendly and fun.

You are playing the role of a mother, how did you prepare for the role? Especially when the age gap between the mother and son is not that great?
Mother roles are not difficult, yes playing an alcoholic was difficult in the beginning. Then I got a hang of it and it came naturally and I started enjoying it. Working with boys is fun. We crack jokes and all and we enjoy it, it is not boring at all. Pulling each other's leg and gossiping both onsets and offsets.

A role you wish you were offered from Bollywood or TV?
Earlier I used to wish but now I don't think so much. I should do my part and enjoy doing it. That's the only wish I have, I just want to enjoy whatever I do.

You are still single, what are you looking for in your dream guy?
I had many relationships in my life and have now got clear day by day on what I don't want in a man. Maybe that's why I am single. It's just that I am too clear on what I want and till the time I don't find it I will be single. I don't want to compromise as I realised it doesn't last and end of the day I have to break up. So I am trying to avoid the whole process so that I don't have to go through the painful process again, so that's why I am single.

You have done theatre, Bollywood and television, what is next on cards?
Next on cards, frankly I don't know and now I really don't want to know. I have stopped planning as plans fail I am living my life as it comes. I am open to everything and anything. No hang ups, no baggage and no illusions, just very clear and focused.