Actress Payal Rajput is over the moon as her film Mangalavaram has been shortlisted for an Oscar nomination, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with major contenders like Kalki 2898 AD and Hanuman. Speaking about this incredible milestone, Payal shared her excitement: “I was on cloud nine when I received the news. Being in the same conversation as these big films is a surreal moment for me.”
Mangalavaram, a hard-hitting village-centric story of a girl with nymphomania, allowed Payal to showcase her acting prowess in a complex, author-backed role. “It was a truly challenging role, and I’m proud to have done justice to it with the support of director Ajay Bhupathi,” she said. Payal reflected on her previous bold role in RX 100, which made her a star overnight, and emphasized that while Mangalavaram could have ventured into erotic territory, it remained true to its raw, emotional core.
Regarding Mangalavaram making it to the Oscar shortlist, Payal said, “Our film is so different from Kalki 2898 AD and Hanuman in terms of plot and treatment. It’s a gripping thriller that stands out for its unique storytelling.”
Outside of her acting success, Payal has recently completed a Vipassana course, a 10-day meditation retreat that she credits with helping her find inner peace. “Vipassana helps us see things as they really are. It’s like hitting the pause button on the chaos of life and discovering your true self,” she explained.
Excitingly, Payal is in talks with director Ajay Bhupathi about a potential sequel to Mangalavaram, though nothing has been finalized. She has also ventured into action with an upcoming Tamil film directed by Senthil, which is currently being shot in Georgia. “This role requires me to perform action sequences, which is a first for me. It’s a very different kind of film,” she shared. While she has received a few Telugu film offers, Payal has yet to finalize her next project in that industry.
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