Mouni Roy, who has made her Bollywood debut with Reema Kagti-directed sports drama Gold, says making a foray in Bollywood after carving a successful career in the television world was “like leaving home and entering a new territory”.
“My transition to big screen happened very organically, but yes I do feel a loss because it was like leaving your home and entering a new territory as it was my first film, and there were lot of personal struggles involved,” Roy said.
At the same time, she feels she belongs to the film world since a very long time.
“While doing the TV show Naagin, I performed at the Iifa [International Indian Film Academy] Awards. And I have done many award shows. So, I have many friends in the industry and knew almost everybody as I was a part of many reality shows. I have never felt that I am new to this industry. I have always felt welcomed and loved,” said the actress.
In the recently released Gold, Roy plays the role of Akshay Kumar’s on-screen wife.
On her work experience with Kumar, Roy said that she felt “fortunate” and “blessed” to get an opportunity to work with the superstar — one of the world’s top 10 highest paid actors as per Forbes magazine — in her maiden film.
“Akshay sir is a wonderful human being. While working with him, I have learnt so much. There are two things that I took from him and I will try my best to follow those teachings in my life throughout,” she said.
“Keep doing good and honest work, and to try to be a producer’s actor so that you work according to norms and ethics,” added Roy.
Despite playing the leading lady in Gold, a few people and critics have pointed out that Roy’s role had less screen time.
“I think people liked me, and that’s why they felt that my role is less in the film. I will consider it as a back-handed compliment. If people didn’t like my role or didn’t notice me, then they would not have been talking about it. I feel if you like something, then you want more of it. So, I see this thing as a compliment,” she said.
The 32-year-old, who has had a successful TV career with her performances in serials like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Naagin and Kasturi, believes actors should not be restricted to only one particular medium.
“With Gold, only my platform has changed. I am always open to TV shows, web series and films,” she said.
Asked if she will return to small screen, Mouni said: “I have not left TV. Right now, I am just busy with films. But if time permits, definitely I will do TV shows.”
Roy will be next seen in director Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra, which also stars actors Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Amitabh Bachchan. She will also be seen in Robbie Grewal’s Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW) and Mikhil Musale’s Made in China.
