Actor Mrunal Thakur recently opened up about the challenges she faced during her younger years, including battling suicidal thoughts.
She shared how convincing her parents to let her pursue a Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM) degree was difficult, and when the course didn’t meet her expectations, she struggled with self-doubt. Living in a hostel, far from her family, further added to her difficulties.
In an interview, Mrunal explained that her parents had initially wanted her to become a dentist, but she was more drawn to crime journalism or a career on television. After much persuasion, they agreed to let her study BMM.
Speaking with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, Mrunal shared, “There were a lot of responsibilities. At the time, I felt that if I didn’t succeed, I would end up nowhere. I thought I would be married off at 23 with kids, which was exactly what I didn’t want. I wanted to do something different and would go for auditions. There were moments when I felt like I was good for nothing.”
She highlighted that the ages between 15 and 20 are a "crucial" period, where people are trying to find their path, and those who haven’t figured it out often feel low or even experience suicidal thoughts.
When asked if she had similar feelings, she admitted, “I used to travel by local trains, stand at the door, and sometimes feel like jumping off.”
Mrunal further discussed the root of her struggles, explaining that she had believed BMM would be the right choice but found herself unsatisfied.
“When you pick a course, it seems fun on the outside, but once you start, you realize it’s not what you expected. That’s what happened to me. I’m a creative person, and I can’t write scripts. There was a subject called literature… I don’t like reading, I’m more of a listener, and I enjoy watching things. I used to think, ‘What did I sign up for?’ I had a lot of self-doubt. Living alone in Mumbai at 17-18 was tough. You have to manage rent and food, and account for every rupee. My father is a banker, so if I withdrew even ₹500, he would know,” she added.
Mrunal began her career in television with shows like Mujhse Kuchh Kehti...Yeh Khamoshiyaan and Kumkum Bhagya before transitioning to films.
She has since appeared in movies such as Sita Ramam, Hi Nanna, Super 30, Batla House, Toofaan, and Dhamaka.
