Mouni Roy, known for her role as the antagonist Junoon in "Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva," has recently spoken about the challenges she faces in the film industry as an "outsider". In a recent interview, Roy revealed that she had expected more job opportunities after the success of "Brahmastra," but that didn't happen. She admitted that she wasn't included in key casting discussions, and her name wasn't being taken in many important rooms.
Roy's comments shed light on the struggles faced by many actors who don't come from established film families or have existing connections in the industry. She emphasized that it's difficult to get roles as an outsider and that it's a constant struggle. "You're as big as your last project," she stated, highlighting the industry's focus on recent success. Despite receiving praise for her performance in "Brahmastra," Roy found that it didn't necessarily translate into a flood of new opportunities.
Roy believes that all talented actors from outside the industry should be given equal opportunities to audition for good parts. She has never shied away from auditioning and is ready to prove herself for every role. Roy's journey in Bollywood began with "Gold" in 2018, opposite Akshay Kumar. Before transitioning to films, she was a popular face on television, with successful shows like "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi," "Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev," and "Naagin".
Mouni has acknowledged that many tend to overlook her decade-long experience in television, where she honed her acting and dancing skills. She had to audition and prove herself to get roles in films. Leaving a flourishing career in television to try her luck in films was like leaving home and entering a new territory.
Despite the challenges, Roy remains grateful for the opportunities she has received and focuses on choosing well from the offers she gets. She is currently starring as a spy in the web series "Salakaar," directed by Faruk Kabir, streaming on JioHotstar in multiple languages. She will also appear in "Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai" with Varun Dhawan and Mrunal Thakur.
Roy's experience reflects the broader issue of nepotism and the challenges faced by outsiders in the Hindi film industry. While she acknowledges that the industry has been kind to her, she also recognizes the need for a level playing field where talent is given more importance than connections. Roy's journey is a testament to her hard work and determination, and she continues to strive for meaningful roles that allow her to showcase her talent.