Getting To Know... Mrinalini Sharma

Age: 26.

Kickstart: This Delhi girl took up modelling as a hobby after having graduated in English literature. The hobby soon turned more consuming, as she shot for reputed designers like Suneet Verma, JJ Valaya, Ravi Bajaj whilst still in college. “I did try my hand at the rampway but never really enjoyed it,” she admits. While the ramp didn’t get to see much of Mrinalini, she has campaigns like Maruti, Graviera Suitings, Sunsilk, Anchor switches, Pears, Motorola, ICICI Prudential, Samsung, Tiger Balm among others to her credit.

Mumbai calling: Having left her mum, brother and two adorable dogs in Delhi, Mrinalini decided to move to Mumbai 5 years ago when she turned 21. “The mandatory waiting period was extremely lonely. I didn’t have a single friend in Mumbai. The modelling culture was totally alien and I felt completely lost,” she reminisces.

But she wasn’t left out for long. Lucky Ali’s ‘Gori Teri Aankhe Kahe’ brought instant recognition. “I loved the video as it gave me scope to perform and I had a sans make-up look.” Soon after followed the video for ‘Meri Neend’ by Band of Boys.

Taking a break: Flooded with offers, Mrinalini decided to take a self-imposed break. “I decided to take a one-and-a-half-year break, since loneliness was getting to me and I was dying to go back home. After the break, I was back totally rejuvenated,” she grins. Thinking big: This time, she switched to the silver screen. “‘Apaharan’ happened by chance. I couldn’t believe it when friends said that Prakash Jha was looking for me. Initially, I had a proper cameo in the film, but because of the length of the film, it had to be snipped and only my item number remained. But no regrets.”

Buddy talk: Happy to be a single girl in a big bad city, Mrinalini is quick to say, “Mumbai is safe and if you know how to carry yourself, nobody can do anything against your wishes.” She adds, “I am grateful to God for giving me a good circle of friends in Mumbai now. They have been with me through thick and thin.” When this girl is not busy shooting, you can find her sitting with friends and chatting the night away. “I do party once in a while, but I prefer watching a movie with friends,” says Mrinalini.

Future speak: Thanks to ‘Apaharan’, she is being offered a few lead roles, “but I am weighing my options and will take some time before finalising any film.”