Arjumman Mughal embarked on her modeling career at the age of 15 in 2003 with a jewelry advertisement in Delhi. After receiving calls for ads from various individuals in Mumbai, she decided to shift there. Her career blossomed, progressing from clothing print shoots to product shoots, and in 2004, she marked her debut in a TV commercial. Over the years, she accumulated an impressive portfolio, boasting a total of 2,150 print and video ads.
In 2005, Arjumman ventured into the music industry with her first remix music album, "Jhumka Gira Re," followed by others like "Bin Tere Sanam" and "Aadha Hai Chandrama Raat Aadhi," collaborating with Venus Music Company. For three consecutive years, from 2006 to 2008, she actively participated in ads and music videos.
Her breakthrough came in 2009 when she secured the lead role in the Tamil film "Paliniappa Kalloori," portraying a college girl in a captivating campus love story. Despite earning praise for her natural performance and looks, the absence of influential connections hindered her progress in the South Indian film industry. Undeterred, she returned to Mumbai, continued her work in ads, and relentlessly pursued opportunities in Hindi movies, attending meetings and auditions.
Arjumman finally made her Bollywood debut at the age of 26 in 2014 with the movie "Ya Rab," released by Vishesh Films, where she played the main lead role of Amreen. Following the film's release, she became sought after for ads and celebrity appearances internationally, showcasing her talent in clothing and jewelry ad shoots. In 2020, she starred in "O’Pushpa I Hate Tears" opposite Krushna Abhishek, receiving acclaim for her performance, supported by notable figures such as Satish Kaushik, Meet Brothers, and Anupam Kher.
Post the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, Arjumman graced the screen again in the movie "3Shyaane" opposite Priyanshu Chatterjee, winning hearts with her intense performance. Recognized as a public figure, artist, and actor, she garnered support from global media, with one interview on a national channel boosting her followers to 3 million in a day. Her achievements include invitations to New York Fashion Week 2023 as a celebrity guest and several accolades for her contributions.
Arjumman's dedication extends beyond acting, evident in her commitment to skill development. She pursued acting courses at Anupam Kher's Actor Prepares, participated in theater workshops with Nadira Zaheer Babbar’s Ekjut, and honed her craft under various acting teachers. Additionally, she immersed herself in diverse dance forms, including Bollywood contemporary, classical, and various gharanas in Kathak. Her versatility extends to Western dance, folk dances, salsa, martial arts techniques, and even yoga, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning.
Today, at the age of 35, Arjumman Mughal remains as vibrant and timeless as she did 20 years ago. Despite life's challenges, she holds a steadfast belief that life can surprise you at any moment. A charismatic soul, Arjumman creates magic on screen, emphasizing that glamour is just one facet of a female actress's journey in the world of cinema. Eager for compelling stories to perform, she looks forward to the future with unwavering determination and enthusiasm.
Questions:
1 - Q: “YA RAB,” "O’PUSHPA I HATE TEARS," & "3 SHYAANE." HOW WAS THE RESPONSE after these movies?
A: I am overwhelmed with the response that I have received from all around. It is a great feeling to know that my work is being appreciated. I am really thankful to all my fans and well-wishers for their support and love. I have always been passionate about my work, and I believe in giving my best to whatever I do. I am blunt and honest when it comes to my work, and I don’t want to compromise on the quality of work in the future. I'm not satisfied as an actor yet; I always feel it’s a beginning. I am glad that my hard work has paid off, and I am looking forward to more such success in the future.
2 - Q: TILL TODAY WHICH FILM OF YOURS IS CLOSE TO YOUR HEART? AND WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT FUTURE MOVIES?
A: All my films are close to my heart; I worked in these films with my 100% dedication, passion, and hard work. I will continue doing the same. I think all the big banners should make at least 10 small budget movies like MAHESH BHATT SAHAB did. Whether you agree or not, Bhatt Sahab has given so many talents to the industry by making good films with new talent. People who come to become actors are often from poor families, and even if they get a chance in one film, they are fine, but trying to fit into some other field is very difficult after 15/16 years of struggle. Unfortunately, those who couldn’t achieve anything end up broken, some turning to drinking, drugs, or smoking. It’s sad. We need responsible financiers for our industry to invest more money intelligently in small budget movies, introducing new talent with experienced and professional makers who know how to respect, value, and treat new talent.
3 - Q: HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A GOOD PERFORMANCE, TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR PROCESS?
A: I start by reading the script and understanding the character. I try to grasp the character’s background, motivations, and the relationships between the characters. Understanding the director’s vision and the overall structure of the film is crucial. I then create a character shade and work on the character’s physicality, voice, and mannerisms. Additionally, I delve into the character’s emotional life and imagine how she would react in different situations. Practicing lines and scenes with co-actors or in front of a mirror is a routine for me. Finally, I ensure I get enough rest and stay hydrated before the shoot.
4 - Q: HOW DO YOU HANDLE HATERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR NORMALLY?
A: I believe that it is important to be kind and generous. I try to be kind to everyone, even if they don’t like me. It is important to be honest and open with people. I think it is crucial to be respectful of other people’s opinions and beliefs, even if you don’t agree with them. I have been appreciated and loved like a princess, and if anyone ever said anything negative, I delete it after reading the first line only.
5 - Q: DOES SUCCESS MATTER TO YOU?
A: It is important to remember that success is not permanent and can be fleeting. Staying focused on the work and not getting carried away by fame and attention is crucial. Fame and attention are temporary; success is not the only measure of a person’s worth. There are other things that matter in life.
6 - Q: WE HEARD IN YOUR PREVIOUS INTERVIEW THAT AN ACTOR SHOULD BE A FOREVER STUDENT.
I believe that life is a journey, and every role I take on is an opportunity to learn something new. I am always looking for ways to challenge myself and push my boundaries. I am not afraid to take risks and try something new. I am passionate about my craft and strive to bring something unique to every role I take on. I am also passionate about giving support to the needy.
7 - Q: HOW DO YOU THINK ABOUT PEOPLE AROUND YOU? APART FROM ACTING?
From the bottom of my heart, I try to make people smile from their heart, and you know when I smile, they start smiling automatically. So I keep smiling, hoping everyone keeps smiling. I try to make people’s day a good day. I also try to be the best version of myself. I challenge myself to be kind and compassionate, and to be a better person than I was yesterday. I believe that if I can be the best version of myself, I can make the world a better place.
8 - Q: WITH WHICH ACTOR DO YOU WANT TO WORK IN THE FUTURE?
Ans: I want to work with actors who are not insecure and don't show off personally. They should believe in the given work and do their work honestly. Also, if they can, they should appreciate and support others. I can work with any actor, whether it’s Leonardo DiCaprio, Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Krushna Abhishek, or Ejaz Khan. For me, an actor is an actor; no gender exists.
9 - Q: HOW DO YOU FEEL AND THINK WHEN YOU GIVE A GOOD SHOT? ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE KIND OF WORK YOU DID?
I doubt myself if I did right or not. But I wish I could concentrate better. I just kept working. Whatever I got, I did it. I never went up to anyone asking for work; I was always a bit shy. I didn’t have an agent who supported me, pushed me, or really thought about me. Mostly, agents underestimated me, and people had wrong perceptions about me. I didn’t have anyone to help me. Sometimes it is very difficult to understand if I should meet someone or not, if I’ll be caught in some trouble, but then I believed God is with me, whether somebody supports me or not. God will. Basically, one thing led to another, and that slotted me in a certain way. I wish I had someone to help me through this. I wish I knew how to get what I wanted. But every actor is different. They bring in something different out there. So I don’t think I’m better or worse than anyone. I bring my own touch to the character, which is the magic.
10 - Q: HOW DO YOU HANDLE REJECTION?
Rejection is an everyday part of our field. It kills slowly but learning to ignore it is crucial. You have to practice to stop taking it personally. I just detach myself from the past and try to be in the present, focusing on looking at things outside.
11 - Q: DO YOU HAVE A FEAR OF MISSING OUT WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING?
Since COVID, basically, I’m on a break. And I’m thinking seriously, can I actually do that constructively and grow? Why I do what I do? And I don’t really have that fear or greed; I don’t like aggressiveness and disturbance. I like a calm, peaceful, respectful, and beautifully enjoyable environment. There are times I feel very much detached from the world, stay alone. I see a different world between me and God. And when I see deep, I see nothing at the end, nothing at all, not in this world or that world; it’s nothing. So whatever comes my way is fine; ultimately, destiny is going to win the race.
12 - Q: WHAT HAS BEEN A FAVORITE OF YOURS FROM THE RECENT RELEASES?
I like every film because I just realized I watch films as an actor; my point of view is different, how they must have made it. Love everyone who loves films and filmmaking. There are people who make movies for passion, not for money. And I really appreciate that because they “LOVE,” and love means only giving.
13 - Q: WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN STORE FOR THE FUTURE?
I am actually planning to look for motivation. I’m not a social activist. I’m an actor, and I like to tell stories and do stories. And I’m looking for that story which will motivate me.
14 - Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GIVE TO NEW ACTORS, CONSIDERING YOU HAVE ACTED IN FILMS?
I would like to tell the newcomers that it is important to stay focused and never give up. There will be times when you will feel like giving up, but it is important to stay motivated and keep pushing yourself. It is also important to stay humble and never forget your roots. It is important to remember that success is not a destination but a journey. You should never stop learning and growing. Finally, it is important to stay positive and never lose hope.