Mrunal Beats the Drum: Dhol Lessons for Son of Sardaar 2 Leave Her Tired but Totally Thrilled!

Key Highlights

 

Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur, cast as Rabia in the eagerly awaited comedy sequel Son of Sardaar 2, invested nearly three months to learn playing the dhol, an iconic Punjabi percussion instrument, to bring authenticity and vibrancy to her role.

 

She describes the experience as "tiring, thrilling, and so, so special," revealing that the intense practice not only connected her deeply with the cultural essence of Punjab but also became a joyful and grounding process.

 

Despite her Marathi roots, Mrunal embraced the challenge of mastering the dhol and adopting a Punjabi accent, crediting her dedicated team and co-actors for their support in navigating linguistic and musical nuances.

 

The actress enthusiastically shared videos and posts on social media, expressing gratitude to dhol expert Mangal Kalyan and his team for their patience and guidance throughout her learning journey.

 

The Art of Playing the Dhol: Immersing into Punjabi Culture

 

The dhol, central to Punjabi celebrations and festivals, demands physical stamina, rhythm precision, and energetic engagement; Mrunal’s commitment to mastering it involved daily drills, skill-building exercises, and understanding the instrument’s cultural heartbeat.

 

Practicing after long shooting schedules demonstrated her dedication, reflecting not just a technical learning curve but a holistic absorption of Punjabi folklore and musical traditions integral to the film’s narrative.

 

This immersive effort underpins Mrunal’s approach to transforming her character Rabia from a scripted role to a relatable, spirited embodiment of Punjabi festivity and resilience.

 

Son of Sardaar 2: Context and Ensemble

 

Directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, Son of Sardaar 2 features an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn reprising his comic role, alongside Sanjay Mishra, Ravi Kishan, Deepak Dobriyal, Kubbra Sait, and newcomers like Roshni Walia.

 

The film, a sequel to the 2012 hit, blends comedy, family dynamics, and cultural vibrancy, with music and dance playing pivotal narrative roles—making Mrunal’s dhol skills both a narrative and aesthetic cornerstone.

 

Produced by Ajay Devgn and Jyoti Deshpande, presented by Jio Studios and Devgn Films, the movie hit theatres on July 25, 2025, amid high anticipation and fanfare.

 

Mrunal Thakur’s Reflections and Fan Engagement

 

Describing her dhol learning journey as one that "kept me grounded, keeps me going," Mrunal highlighted the joy in embracing the process and the thrill that accompanies stepping beyond comfort zones in artistry.

 

Her social media posts resonated widely, sparking admiration for her work ethic and authenticity, while fans appreciated seeing the star’s dedication beyond glamour—she aimed to “bring a smile to everyone’s faces” through her craft.

 

Her enthusiasm and openness about the hardships and joys of this musical training forged a deeper connection with audiences, reinforcing her image as a versatile and sincere performer.

 

The Challenge of a Punjabi Accent and Comedy Timing

 

Apart from the musical challenge, Mrunal took on the arduous task of mastering a Punjabi accent, vital for authenticity in dialogue delivery and character portrayal; she credited her co-actors and language coaches in easing this process.

 

Comedy, she noted, required sharp presence and adaptability—timing had to be impeccable and spontaneous, relying on reacting naturally to co-performers rather than rigid scripts.

 

Looking Ahead: Mrunal’s Flourishing Career

 

Beyond Son of Sardaar 2, Mrunal Thakur has an exciting slate of projects including the romantic comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai and the action-romance Dacoit: Ek Prem Katha, showcasing her expanding range and popularity in Bollywood.

 

Her evolving career trajectory, marked by choosing diverse and challenging roles, aligns with her commitment to craft excellence highlighted by her recent onscreen and offscreen performances.

 

Conclusion

 

Mrunal Thakur’s dedication to learning the dhol for Son of Sardaar 2 exemplifies the fusion of cultural immersion and artistic devotion that modern Indian cinema celebrates. Her journey from novice to competent dhol player offers a heartfelt glimpse into the rigorous preparation behind charismatic screen performances. As audiences enjoy her lively portrayal of Rabia, Mrunal’s story stands as a tribute to the power of perseverance, cultural respect, and joy found in the creative process—making Son of Sardaar 2 not just a film but a celebration of spirit and tradition.

 

Sources: Times of India, News18