Madirakshi Mundle has defined poise and elegance in her mythological roles in shows such as Siya Ke Ram, Jag Janani Maa Vaishno Devi and more. She has also played comic as well as negative characters with utmost confidence. Now, she steps into the shoes of Dr Noyonika, an ordinary woman bound by family obligations who crosses paths with a global pop star, in Star Plus‘ newest offering, Sairaab.
In an exclusive interaction with IWMBuzz.com, Madirakshi talks in detail about the role, about shouldering this huge responsibility, and her transition into this societal drama and more.
Read on.
What aspect of Noyonika drew you to this story and role?
Noyonika embodies grace under pressure. Despite her evidently difficult circumstances as a single parent and as a devoted mother, she willingly endures life’s challenges for her daughter and doesn’t think twice about setting everything aside, including perhaps her own interests, to give her a loving upbringing. It is simultaneously a love story, a triumph of grace in the face of personal challenges, and a still, calm, albeit measured outlook. The story is very beautifully put together by the makers. Besides being lavishly mounted, it feels almost cinematic in its execution and most certainly is in its scope. We are shooting plenty outdoors, and it is imbuing the show with a super-realistic vibe.
The litmus test of any role ultimately is how well audiences relate to the character and how strongly the role connects with them emotionally.
The show deals heavily with social status, judgment, and a second chance at love. How do you think Noyonika represents modern women facing these struggles?
Noyonika is an accomplished doctor, a specialist actually!, a devoted mother, an exceptional daughter and more so a daughter-in-law whose fortitude is tested harshly by those around her. She cares for her in-laws, despite being betrayed by her husband, all for her daughter’s sake, in a situation where a few in the family hold some ill-will towards her. Life has not been kind to her personally. Stories have to retain a kernel of reality since they will otherwise not be relatable. Fiction does, therefore, mimic reality in a very composite sense, and I am certain that our audience will find elements that they will relate to very strongly. Despite all the strongly progressive markers of her life, her life experience is beset by trying circumstances on the back of choices and those that can no longer be undone. This is easily the story of the modern woman who might be living this reality in her life, silently, away from the public eye, since life won’t offer them a more comfortable set of choices.
Does the heavy weight of carrying the show bog you down? Explain.
It is a privilege and a responsibility that I am very glad to be shouldering. All my shows had me essaying the female lead. So on that count, this is no different. The makers have entrusted me with bringing Noyonika to life. It is a beautiful story of romantic redemption and family. It’s got a great team working on it, and I think it is a very fresh take on a contemporary theme. It’s been super enjoyable, hectic and a lot of fun.
Stepping into a societal drama with a musical backdrop like Sairaab is a refreshing and highly welcome experience.
How do you think Ishaan’s public stardom and Noyonika’s quiet resilience will challenge one another as their relationship grows?
Both are obviously contrasting characters. One a famous singer, rockstar and public persona, and another is a modern woman who is a fascinating blend of traditional values and a cautiously progressive outlook, and unflinchingly answers the family call of duty as a working mother, daughter and daughter-in-law. I think the characters share strong complementarities, which will add to the strength of their lives together as the relationship grows and progresses.
You are known for your mytho roles. How is it to step into a societal drama?
Haha! True. However, simply put, at the end of the day, whatever role I play on screen is work. I have had the immense good fortune to play a host of prestigious, divine Goddess characters. I have played fiction leads and also played the negative lead! So, in itself, it is familiar territory in a sense. Specifically stepping into a societal drama with a musical backdrop that is Sairaab is a refreshing and highly welcome experience. It is an extremely well-put-together show, and the writing is full of sensitivity without underplaying the gravity of the situations and skillfully conveys the story points. Nuance is one of the show’s strengths, and Noyonika is at the centre of it. It is an experience I cherish.
Tell us about your rapport both onscreen and offscreen with Rohit Chandel?
Rohit is a lot of fun! Since it is early days, there are 2 parallel units in progress to get the show in place and establish Noyonika and Ishaan’s characters and their story lines and plot trajectories. Of course, on the same unit, we catch up during breaks to chit chat over tea and lunch!
How do you stay grounded and mentally secure in an unpredictable industry?
You have to be prepared to take unpredictability in your stride. Unpredictability is the hallmark of a career in this industry, whether it is TV, web shows or even movies. I think it is important to realise this early and ensure that you arrange to keep yourself busy and capitalise on developing long-term opportunities that can function in auto mode. I have a few long-standing personal interests that I was able to devote sustained efforts.
My friends and acquaintances have repeatedly told me about just how frighteningly accurate I am with predictions for them based on their birth charts. I also have a strong interest in the hospitality sector.
What are your expectations from this role?
The litmus test of any role ultimately is how well audiences relate to the character and how strongly the role connects with them emotionally. Via Noyonika, I genuinely look forward to reconnecting with family audiences and fans. All the love and unconditional support that has come my way is a constant source of strength and motivation. They have expectations of me, and it is my job to deliver on those expectations through my work. I look forward to all the experiences in store for me in my role as Noyonika.
