From playing Bulbul in the iconic television show Kumkum Bhagya to starring opposite superstars like Ajay Devgn and Dulquer Salmaan, Mrunal Thakur has scripted one of Bollywood’s most inspiring success stories. With her breakout Telugu hit Sita Ramam and an impressive lineup of 2025 releases including Son of Sardaar 2 and Dacoit, this 32-year-old actress represents the new wave of pan-India stars who effortlessly bridge regional and mainstream cinema.
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Mrunal Thakur: Career Overview
Personal Details | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | Mrunal Thakur |
Date of Birth | August 1, 1992 |
Age | 32 years (2025) |
Birthplace | Nagpur, Maharashtra |
Education | Mass Media, Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai |
TV Debut | Mujhse Kuchh Kehti…Yeh Khamoshiyaan (2012) |
Film Debut | Love Sonia (2018) |
Breakthrough | Sita Ramam (Telugu, 2022) |
15 Million+ followers | |
Recent Release | Son of Sardaar 2 (August 1, 2025) |
From Television to Silver Screen
Mrunal began her journey with the Star Plus show Mujhse Kuchh Kehti…Yeh Khamoshiyaan in 2012, but her real television breakthrough came with Kumkum Bhagya, where she played Bulbul Arora from 2014 to 2016. This role made her a household name across India, establishing the foundation for her film career.
Her transition from television to films wasn’t just successful—it was transformative. Unlike many TV actors who struggle to shed their small-screen image, Mrunal strategically chose powerful film roles that showcased her range and seriousness as an actor.
Bold Bollywood Debut: Love Sonia
Mrunal made her Bollywood debut with Love Sonia (2018), a hard-hitting film about human trafficking and prostitution. This wasn’t a typical glamorous debut—it was a conscious choice to establish herself as a serious actor willing to tackle difficult subjects.
The film premiered at the London Indian Film Festival, earning critical acclaim and positioning Mrunal as an actress of substance. This bold start set the tone for her career trajectory, prioritizing meaningful cinema over easy commercial success.
The Telugu Gamechanger: Sita Ramam
While Mrunal had appeared in several Hindi films including Super 30 (2019) with Hrithik Roshan and Toofaan (2021) with Farhan Akhtar, her career-defining moment came with the Telugu romantic drama Sita Ramam (2022) opposite Dulquer Salmaan.
The film became a massive blockbuster and is widely considered one of the most beautifully crafted Telugu romances in recent years. Mrunal’s portrayal of Sita earned universal acclaim, making her an overnight sensation in South Indian cinema and opening doors across regional film industries.
Her willingness to explore Telugu cinema demonstrated smart career planning—expanding her market beyond Hindi films at a time when pan-India cinema was becoming the new normal.
2025: A Power-Packed Year
Son of Sardaar 2
Released on August 1, 2025, Son of Sardaar 2 features Mrunal playing Rabia, a Pakistani dancer, opposite Ajay Devgn. This comedy sequel marks her collaboration with one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, cementing her position as a leading lady in mainstream Hindi cinema.
Upcoming Releases
Dacoit (December 25, 2025): This highly anticipated project showcases Mrunal in a grittier avatar, promising to expand her range further.
Pooja Meri Jaan (2025): A thriller directed by Navjot Gulati and Vipasha Arvind, featuring Mrunal alongside Huma Qureshi and Vijay Raaz, revolving around a girl named Pooja being stalked by an unidentified admirer.
Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (April 10, 2026): Directed by R. Balki, this romantic drama showcases Mrunal in a completely different avatar.
Kalki 2898 AD Cameo
Mrunal made a cameo appearance as Divya in the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, one of 2024’s biggest blockbusters starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Amitabh Bachchan. Even in a small role, being part of such a massive pan-India project demonstrates her smart career choices.
What Sets Mrunal Apart
Versatility Across Languages: Successfully working in Hindi and Telugu cinema with equal ease demonstrates linguistic adaptability and cultural sensitivity.
Bold Role Selection: From Love Sonia’s difficult subject matter to Sita Ramam’s period romance, she chooses variety over comfort zones.
Pan-India Appeal: Her 15 million Instagram followers span across linguistic markets, reflecting true pan-India stardom.
TV-to-Film Success: One of the few television actors who successfully transitioned without being typecast.
Strong Work Ethic: Her packed filming schedule with multiple releases demonstrates dedication and professionalism.
Fashion and Brand Influence
Beyond acting, Mrunal has become a significant fashion influencer. Her Instagram showcases everything from traditional sarees to contemporary Western wear, making her a style icon for young India. This fashion influence translates to lucrative brand endorsements and sustained public relevance between film releases.
The Education Foundation
Mrunal graduated in Mass Media from Kishinchand Chellaram College in Mumbai, giving her insights into media dynamics that many actors lack. This educational background likely contributes to her savvy public relations and strategic career decisions.
Future Trajectory
With Son of Sardaar 2 already released and multiple high-profile projects lined up through 2026, Mrunal’s career momentum shows no signs of slowing. Her ability to work across industries while maintaining quality standards positions her as one of contemporary Indian cinema’s most bankable actresses.
Her journey from television to pan-India stardom inspires countless aspiring actors, proving that talent, smart choices, and hard work eventually triumph over industry politics and nepotism debates.
The Complete Package
Mrunal Thakur embodies the modern Indian actress—educated, versatile, multilingual, and unafraid to take risks. From the gritty reality of Love Sonia to the romantic grandeur of Sita Ramam to the commercial appeal of Son of Sardaar 2, she navigates different cinematic worlds with equal confidence.
As Indian cinema continues evolving toward pan-India storytelling where language becomes secondary to content, actresses like Mrunal who can work across industries while maintaining artistic integrity become increasingly valuable. Her story isn’t just about success—it’s about redefining what success means in India’s changing entertainment landscape.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Mrunal Thakur’s breakthrough role in Telugu cinema?
Mrunal Thakur’s career-defining breakthrough in Telugu cinema came with Sita Ramam (2022) opposite Dulquer Salmaan. The romantic period drama became a massive blockbuster and is considered one of the most beautifully crafted Telugu romances in recent years. Her portrayal of Sita earned universal acclaim, transforming her into an overnight sensation in South Indian cinema and establishing her as a pan-India star.
Q: What are Mrunal Thakur’s upcoming movies in 2025-2026?
Mrunal Thakur has an impressive lineup including Son of Sardaar 2 (released August 1, 2025) opposite Ajay Devgn, Dacoit (December 25, 2025), Pooja Meri Jaan (2025) with Huma Qureshi about a stalking thriller, and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (April 10, 2026) directed by R. Balki. She also appeared in a cameo role in the blockbuster sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD (2024).