Sonia gave me courage: Mrunal Thakur marks 7 years of Love Sonia

Seven years ago, Mrunal Thakur made her debut with Love Sonia, a hard-hitting international indie film that changed the trajectory of her career. Today, the actress — now celebrated as a Pan-India star — looks back at the film that not only launched her in cinema but also shaped her as an artist and a person.

A daring debutWhile most debutantes opt for safer roles, Mrunal chose to begin her journey with one of the boldest characters in Indian cinema. As Sonia, a small-town girl caught in the harrowing world of human trafficking, she stunned audiences and critics alike with her raw and fearless performance. Interestingly, Thakur’s career graph unfolded in reverse — she first forayed into international cinema with Love Sonia, then ventured into Bollywood, and later made her mark in Telugu cinema. Emotional reflectionsMarking the film’s seventh anniversary, Mrunal penned a heartfelt note on Instagram. “7 years ago, life surprised me with the most unexpected gift Love Sonia. I was just a small-town girl, with big dreams in her heart, and somehow out of thousands, Sonia chose me. That film wasn't just my debut... it was my first step into a world where cinema could change lives.” She recalled working alongside global names like Demi Moore, Freida Pinto, Mark Duplass, as well as Indian stalwarts including Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao, Richa Chadha, and Saie Tamhankar.

“I felt like the tiniest fish in a vast ocean, but their kindness made me feel like I belonged,” she wrote. Thakur also remembered director Tabrez Noorani’s words: “No matter what happens commercially, we must be proud of the lives this film saves.” The actress said those words remain etched in her heart, alongside her gratitude to producer David Womark and activist Ruchira Gupta. Beyond the screenFor Thakur, the film’s biggest legacy lies in its impact. “The most beautiful part is that Love Sonia went beyond the screen.

It sparked change, inspired NGOs, saved lives. Even today, people still reach out after watching it, and my heart fills with gratitude,” she said. Calling Sonia the role that gave her “courage, a voice, and a family in cinema,” Thakur said she owes everything to the film. “Here’s to carrying Sonia in my soul, and to many more stories that heal, inspire, and make a difference,” she concluded.