Manjiri Pupala is what you’d call a breath of fresh air, joyous, exuberant, and ready to dance her way into your heart. Rising to fame through Dhadak 2 and Dahaad, she truly soared when Superboys of Malegaon made its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and received a standing ovation.
That moment marked a turning point for Manjiri, both professionally and personally. “Superboys of Malegaon was my very first theatrical release and it was soo soo special to me,” she beams. “I was very scared to even audition, because this was a huge opportunity. We went to the Toronto Film Festival where this film opened, it was a beautiful experience and first world premiere.” She says the experience transformed how she saw her career: “Mai apne career ko alag tarike se dekhne lag gayi us experience ke baad.”
The reception at TIFF still brings a glow to her face. “People over there knew us, were calling out our name, they were calling us ‘Indian fairies,’ it was a very surreal experience.”
But beyond the red carpet and applause, Manjiri has a charming ritual. She collects a small keepsake from each character she plays. From her role as Punia in Dahaad, she kept the septum piercing. From Richa, she took the watch. And from Trupti, Trupti’s mangalsutra. She says: “At the premiere, I either wear that thing or carry it in my purse with me.”
These items hold emotional weight. They are not just props but fragments of personalities she has lived. “These characters remind you of a certain side of your personality that you were not aware of,” she explains. Richa, specifically, taught her “strength with vulnerability and sensitivity.” One line she still lives by is Richa’s powerful dialogue: “jab anyay kanoon ban jaaye toh uske khilaf awaaz uthana aapka kartavya hai.”
When it comes to her TV stint on Ishqbaaz, Manjiri admits with poise she exited not due to replacement but because she wasn’t prepared for what she calls “artistic brutality.” A misunderstanding and out-of-context reports didn’t sit right with her, and she simply wasn’t happy with the trajectory.
With a sunny disposition and a passion for her craft, Manjiri Pupala is carving her own unique path in the industry. She’s laughing, learning, and lighting up every stage she steps on. Whenever she performs, she brings her soul, and occasionally, a cherished memento or two.
