Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor has officially made her foray into the OTT space, starring in YRF’s latest series, ‘Mandala Murders,’ which premiered on Netflix last week. Known for her dedication to fitness, Kapoor takes on the demanding role of Rea Thomas, a determined CIB officer, marking a significant new chapter in her acting career.Here’s a closer look at how Vaani Kapoor opened up about her Bollywood struggle period.Vaani Kapoor shifts on-screen persona in ‘Mandala Murders’Having spent years as a romantic lead in glamorous Bollywood films, Vaani is now earning praise for her subtle and layered portrayal in ‘Mandala Murders’. This intense thriller available on OTT platforms represents a significant shift from her usual on-screen image, and she admits the experience was quite demanding.Vaani Kapoor tackles a complex role in ‘Mandala Murders’During a chat with Moneycontrol, when questioned about her choice of this role, she explained that this was very different from anything she had tried before. Rea was someone who couldn’t be read easily, aloof, trauma-stricken, a complete observer. Most of the emotion had to come through her eyes without high-pitched dialogues or dramatic gestures. It was emotionally and mentally taxing, but that challenge fascinated her.Vaani Kapoor pushed beyond her comfort zone for ‘Mandala Murders’She explains that the consistency was the toughest part. You can’t step out of the character’s design. Action sequences, physical training, and the mental weight of trauma all pushed her out of her comfort zone.Vaani Kapoor shares early struggles in MumbaiVaani recalls her early days in Mumbai and admits that being an introvert made it difficult for her to adjust to the glamorous Bollywood world and its ways after moving from Delhi. She moved to Bombay without knowing a single person—no family, no friends, and no projects lined up. She told herself she would give this dream one or two years, and if it didn’t work out, she would move on. Feeling a strong sense of responsibility for herself and her family, she did not want to struggle endlessly without clear direction. Unpredictability, isolation, and self-doubt were constant companions during that time. As an introvert, she would often sit alone and wonder if she truly belonged there. However, it was her self-belief that kept her going. She never takes any opportunity lightly and surrenders to it completely.Vaani Kapoor’s portrayal of Rea Thomas in ‘Mandala Murders’In the series ‘Mandala Murders’, Vaani portrays Rea Thomas, an officer grappling with PTSD who finds herself out of place in a threatening environment. Over the course of eight episodes, she skillfully handles the demanding physical aspects of the role while maintaining a controlled, subdued emotional presence.Vaani Kapoor’s Bollywood journey from debut to stardomVaani Kapoor’s journey in Bollywood began with her first film, ‘Shuddh Desi Romance’, released in 2013. Later, she went on to star alongside leading actors in high-profile movies like ‘Befikre’, ‘War’, ‘Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’ and ‘Bell Bottom’.
