Donal Bisht on MRP Telugu debut: '70mm screen was nostalgic'
Synopsis
TV actress Donal Bisht steps onto the 70mm screen for the first time with Telugu film MRP — and says the experience was unlike anything television or web could offer. Her debut marks a growing trend of Hindi television stars finding a second wind in South Indian cinema.
Key Takeaways
Donal Bisht makes her Telugu cinema debut with the film MRP .
She described watching herself on a 70mm screen at the pre-release event in Hyderabad as 'nostalgic'.
Bisht expressed gratitude toward the Telugu film industry and hopes to continue working in South Indian films alongside Hindi projects.
She is best known for TV roles in Ek Deewaana Tha and Roop – Mard Ka Naya Swaroop , and appeared on Bigg Boss 15 in 2021 .
She ranked 18th on the Times Most Desirable Women on TV list in 2019 .
Actress Donal Bisht has marked her entry into Telugu cinema with the film MRP, and says that despite years of work across television and digital platforms, seeing herself on a 70mm screen for the first time stirred a wave of nostalgia and emotion. The actress opened up about the experience at the pre-release event of MRP held in Hyderabad.
A New Medium, A New Language
'It feels amazing because it's altogether another medium and another language,' Bisht said. 'Getting so much love from the Telugu film industry means a lot. Telugu cinema has become a worldwide phenomenon with incredible storytelling and filmmakers.'
She noted that the reach of South Indian cinema now extends well beyond its regional roots. 'It is loved equally by Hindi-speaking audiences as well. I'm so happy that the South film industry accepted me with open arms and heart. I feel nothing but gratitude and feel truly blessed,' she added.
The Big-Screen Moment
Recalling the emotional experience of watching herself on the big screen, Bisht said: 'I've worked across television and web, but watching myself on a 70mm screen was nostalgic. Every opportunity teaches me something new, and this film gave me a fresh perspective on filmmaking. It made me realise how much more there is to learn as an actor.'
The remark underscores a shift that many television actors navigating the film world describe — the theatrical experience carrying a weight that streaming and broadcast cannot replicate.
Ambitions Beyond MRP
Bisht expressed a clear desire to build a parallel career in Telugu films alongside her Hindi projects. 'It's just the first step into films, and I'm grateful for every bit of love that has come my way. I hope to keep doing meaningful projects and continue growing as an artist,' she said.
Career Background
Bisht is widely recognised for her roles in the television drama series Ek Deewaana Tha and Roop – Mard Ka Naya Swaroop, where she played the character Sharanya Bisht. In 2021, she appeared on reality show Bigg Boss 15, hosted by Salman Khan, with Tejasswi Prakash winning the season and Pratik Sehajpal finishing as runner-up. She had earlier ranked 18th on the Times Most Desirable Women on TV list in 2019.
With MRP marking her big-screen debut, Bisht appears poised to expand her footprint across India's multilingual entertainment landscape.
Point of View
Where production scales and global audiences have grown dramatically. What is notable here is her framing — nostalgia for a medium she had never actually worked in before, suggesting that the 70mm screen carries a cultural weight for actors that streaming simply does not. Whether MRP gives her the foothold she is seeking will depend on the film's reception, but her articulation of gratitude and ambition is textbook crossover positioning. The real story to watch is whether Telugu audiences, who have embraced pan-India stars selectively, extend that warmth beyond the pre-release event.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Donal Bisht's Telugu debut film?
Donal Bisht makes her Telugu cinema debut with the film MRP. The pre-release event for the film was held in Hyderabad.
Why did Donal Bisht call watching herself on a 70mm screen nostalgic?
Bisht said that despite years of work in television and web series, the experience of seeing herself on a 70mm theatrical screen for the first time felt nostalgic and gave her a fresh perspective on filmmaking and acting.
What is Donal Bisht known for in Hindi television?
Donal Bisht is best known for playing Sharanya Bisht in the drama series Ek Deewaana Tha and for her role in Roop – Mard Ka Naya Swaroop. She also appeared on Bigg Boss 15 in 2021, hosted by Salman Khan.
Does Donal Bisht plan to continue working in Telugu cinema?
Yes, Bisht has expressed a clear desire to work in Telugu films alongside Hindi projects, calling MRP 'just the first step into films' and saying she hopes to do meaningful projects in both industries.
What awards or recognition has Donal Bisht received?
Donal Bisht ranked 18th on the Times Most Desirable Women on TV list in 2019, reflecting her popularity during her active years in Hindi television.
