Mrunal Thakur, born on August 1, 1992, in Dhule, Maharashtra, is a name that resonates with versatility, talent, and grace in the Indian entertainment industry. From her humble beginnings in television to becoming a celebrated actress in Hindi and Telugu cinema, Mrunal has carved a niche for herself with powerful performances and a magnetic screen presence. Her journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and a passion for storytelling.

With critically acclaimed roles in films like Sita Ramam (2022) and Hi Nanna (2023), she has not only won prestigious awards but also the hearts of audiences across India. Beyond her on-screen achievements, Mrunal has made headlines for her bold stance on social media ethics, particularly her response to a fan’s inappropriate photoshopped image in 2024. This comprehensive biography explores her life, career, style, and the lesser-known facets that make her a true star.

Early Life and Education

Mrunal Thakur was born into a Marathi-speaking family in Dhule, Maharashtra. Her father, Udaysingh Thakur, serves as an Assistant General Manager at the Union Bank of India, while her mother, Leela Thakur, is a homemaker. Growing up, Mrunal showed an early interest in the performing arts, often participating in school plays and cultural events. She attended St. Joseph’s Convent School in Jalgaon and later Vasant Vihar High School near Mumbai, where her passion for acting began to take shape.

mrunal thakur with her father in childhood

After completing high school, Mrunal enrolled at Kishinchand Chellaram College in Mumbai to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media (Journalism). However, her love for acting proved stronger than her academic pursuits. She left college without graduating to chase her dreams in the entertainment industry. Reflecting on this decision, she once said, “I knew acting was my calling, and I wanted to give it my all” StarsUnfolded. This bold move marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.

Television Career: Building a Foundation

Mrunal Thakur’s acting career began in 2012 with the Star Plus soap opera Mujhse Kuchh Kehti…Yeh Khamoshiyaan, where she played Gauri Bhosle Gaikwad opposite Mohit Sehgal. The show, which aired from 2012 to 2013, was a stepping stone, but it was her role as Bulbul Arora Khanna in Zee TV’s Kumkum Bhagya (2014–2016) that made her a household name.

Playing a supportive and spirited sister alongside Sriti Jha and Shabir Ahluwalia, Mrunal won over audiences with her emotional depth and charm. Her performance earned her the Indian Television Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2015.

During her television stint, Mrunal also explored other formats, appearing in Har Yug Mein Aayega Ek – Arjun (2013) as a journalist, participating in Box Cricket League (2014), and competing in Nach Baliye 7 (2015) with Sharad Chandra Tripathi, where she finished in 8th place. She also made guest appearances in shows like Saubhagyalakshmi (2016) and the Indonesian serials Tuyul & Mbak Yul Reborn (2016) and Nadin (2017).

Reflecting on her television days, Mrunal credited producer Ekta Kapoor for her early success: “Ekta Kapoor believed that I would do good work and allowed me to explore. I had that support system” BrainyQuote.

Film Career: A Journey Across Languages

Mrunal Thakur’s transition from television to films was marked by her debut in the Marathi film Vitti Dandu (2014), where she played Sandhya. She followed this with roles in Hello Nandan (2014) and Surajya (2014), showcasing her ability to handle diverse characters. However, it was her Hindi film debut in Love Sonia (2018) that brought her critical acclaim. Directed by Tabrez Noorani, the film tackled the harrowing issue of human trafficking.

Mrunal’s portrayal of Sonia was both raw and powerful, earning her the London Indian Film Festival’s Best Newcomer Award. She shared the challenges of the role in an interview: “There were a couple of scenes which were really difficult… There was a point where I told Tabrez I can’t do it, he was like: ‘Just remember the girls whom you met in Kolkata… If you can be the voice for these voiceless girls, even if one girl is saved after watching this film, don’t you think that would be a great achievement?’ And I was like: ‘Yes’” Quotes.net.

Mrunal Thakur’s Bollywood breakthrough came with Super 30 (2019), where she played Supriya opposite Hrithik Roshan, and Batla House (2019), where she portrayed Nandita Kumar alongside John Abraham. Both films were commercial successes, establishing her as a promising actress. Despite a brief career lull, Mrunal’s Telugu debut in Sita Ramam (2022) marked a turning point.

Playing the dual role of Sita Mahalakshmi and Princess Noor Jahan opposite Dulquer Salmaan, she delivered a performance that was both poignant and captivating. The film’s pan-India success earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu and two SIIMA Awards. She followed this with Hi Nanna (2023), playing Yashna/Varsha Viraj, which further solidified her status in Telugu cinema, winning her another SIIMA Award and an IIFA Utsavam Award.

Mrunal’s filmography also includes Toofaan (2021), Jersey (2022), Gumraah (2023), Lust Stories 2 (2023), Aankh Micholi (2023), Pippa (2023), and a cameo in Kalki 2898 AD (2024). Her upcoming projects include Son of Sardaar 2 (2025) with Ajay Devgn, Dacoit: A Love Story (2025) with Arjun Kapoor, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (2026) with Varun Dhawan, Tum Ho Toh (2026), Pooja Meri Jaan (2026), and AA22xA6 (2027) with Allu Arjun. As she noted in a 2023 interview, “I’m finally getting opportunities where I can perform” Pinkvilla.

Filmography Table

Year	Film	Role	Language	Notes
2014	Vitti Dandu	Sandhya	Marathi	Debut film
2018	Love Sonia	Sonia	Hindi	Best Newcomer Award
2019	Super 30	Supriya	Hindi	Commercial success
2019	Batla House	Nandita Kumar	Hindi	Commercial success
2022	Sita Ramam	Sita Mahalakshmi/Princess Noor Jahan	Telugu	Filmfare Award for Best Actress
2023	Hi Nanna	Yashna/Varsha Viraj	Telugu	SIIMA Award for Best Actress
2024	The Family Star	Indu	Telugu	Recent release
2025	Son of Sardaar 2	Rabia	Hindi	Post-production

Awards and Recognitions

Mrunal’s talent has been recognized with numerous awards, reflecting her versatility across mediums:

2015: Indian Television Academy Award, Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Kumkum Bhagya)
2017: Bollywood Awards Emosi Meluap-luap (Nadin)
2018: London Indian Film Festival, Best Newcomer Award (Love Sonia)
2019: Gold Awards, Rising Star From Indian Television to Films
2021: Lokmat Stylish Awards, Most Stylish Rising Star (Female)
2022: Lokmat Stylish Awards, Most Stylish Game Changer
2023: Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Diversity in Cinema Award; Filmfare OTT Awards, Best Actress in a Short Film (Jahaan); SIIMA Awards, Best Actress Critics – Telugu and Best Female Debut – Telugu (Sita Ramam); Filmfare Awards South, Best Actress – Telugu (Sita Ramam)
2024: Pinkvilla Screen and Style Icons Awards, Most Stylish Trendsetter of the Year; SIIMA Awards, Best Actress Critics – Telugu (Hi Nanna); IIFA Utsavam, Best Actress – Telugu (Hi Nanna)

Recent Activities: On-Screen and Off-Screen

Mrunal remains a busy actress with a packed schedule. She recently wrapped shooting for Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, a comedy-drama directed by David Dhawan, and is preparing for Son of Sardaar 2 and Dacoit: A Love Story. Her cameo in Kalki 2898 AD (2024) added to her growing presence in pan-India cinema. Off-screen, she is an active social media user, with over 1.1 million followers on Instagram (@mrunalthakur) and a vibrant presence on Twitter (@mrunal0801). Her posts, ranging from travel diaries to film promotions, keep fans engaged.

In October 2024, Mrunal shared glimpses of her vacation in Nainital, showcasing stunning views of mountains and lakes, which inspired travel enthusiasts NDTV. In July 2024, during Son of Sardaar 2 promotions, she politely corrected a paparazzo mispronouncing her name, saying, “Murnal nahi, Mrunal,” a moment that went viral for her grace and humility Tupaki.

A notable recent incident occurred in November 2024, when Mrunal responded to a fan who photoshopped her into a Diwali photo, appearing to celebrate with him. She initially commented, “Bhai kyu jhooti tassali de rahe hain aap apne aap ko? Aapko lagta hain ki aap yeh Jo kar rahe hain yeh cool hain? Ji nahi!” (Why are you giving yourself false reassurance?

Do you think what you’re doing is cool? No, it’s not!) India Today. After backlash, she clarified in a video, saying, “Guys, aap log bacche ki jaan loge kya? Pehle jab maine woh photo dekha toh mai khush huyi… Then I saw he had edited his video with every other actress” Pinkvilla. She praised the fan’s editing skills but urged responsible use, reflecting her balanced approach to online interactions.

Fashion and Style: A Trendsetter

Mrunal Thakur is celebrated not only for her acting but also for her impeccable fashion sense. Her Instagram is a treasure trove of stunning looks, from elegant sarees to chic Western outfits. In 2023, she set social media ablaze with a photoshoot in a beige crop top with a plunging neckline, captioned, “You can find me in paradise” News18. For The Great Indian Kapil Show in 2024,

she wore a black midi dress by Gauri & Nainika, earning praise for its flattering silhouette NDTV. Fans often describe her as “slaying every look,” and her style has earned her awards like the Pinkvilla Screen and Style Icons Award for Most Stylish Trendsetter in 2024.

Despite the attention to her appearance, Mrunal remains focused on her craft. In a 2019 interview, she said, “I want people to talk about my films rather than being trolled” Filmibeat. This grounded approach makes her a relatable figure in an industry often obsessed with glamour.

Personal Life: Keeping It Private

Mrunal Thakur maintains a low profile when it comes to her personal life. While rumors about her relationships have surfaced, she has never confirmed any, choosing to focus on her career. She is close to her family, often crediting her parents for their unwavering support. Her decision to keep her personal life private allows her to maintain a professional image, letting her work take center stage.

The Lesser-Known Side: Bold Choices and Challenges

Mrunal’s career is marked by bold choices, such as rejecting a role in Aamir Khan’s Thugs of Hindostan (2018) after Love Sonia. She explained, “I didn’t feel ready for it at that time” StarsUnfolded. This selectivity reflects her commitment to meaningful roles. Her participation in Nach Baliye 7 (2015) showcased her dancing skills, though she and her partner didn’t win, it broadened her appeal. Additionally, her comparison to the legendary Madhubala after Sita Ramam was a moment of pride. She said, “I was really happy when people saw me as Madhubala… I would love to feature in anything related to her” Filmfare.

Addressing Controversies

While Mrunal has largely avoided major controversies, some online discussions have speculated about her career trajectory. A Reddit thread suggested she faced challenges securing A-list Bollywood roles despite joining Karan Johar’s Dharma Cornerstone Agency, with some attributing this to industry favoritism toward nepotistic actors Reddit.

Another post claimed she liked negative posts about actors like Deepika Padukone and Sidharth Malhotra, though this remains unverified gossip Reddit. Her response to the Diwali photoshop incident in 2024 is her most notable public stance, where she addressed inappropriate behavior while advocating for constructive criticism.

Mrunal Thakur’s journey from a television actress to a pan-India star is a story of talent, perseverance, and authenticity. From her breakout role in Kumkum Bhagya to her award-winning performances in Sita Ramam and Hi Nanna, she has proven her ability to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries. Her recent projects, stylish persona, and thoughtful social media presence make her a role model for aspiring actors. As she once said, “Dreams are like stars, you may never touch them, but if you follow them, they will lead you to your destiny” Bookey. With a promising lineup of films and a growing fan base, Mrunal Thakur is undoubtedly a star on the rise, redefining stardom with every role she takes on.

Note: All the images are taken from Mrunal Thakur’s instagram handle.

Also Read: Isha Ambani: The Brilliant, Visionary Heiress Revolutionizing Reliance FY2026