'Boxing helped me channel anger, karate powered the action': Mimi Chakraborty on her fierce role in Queens

Having previously worked with Nirjhar in Dainee, Mimi has taken her action avatar a notch higher in Queens, which revolves around four women whose lives are shattered after a brutal wedding-night massacre wipes out the men of the powerful Sarkar family.

(L-R) Debjani Singha, Mimi Chakraborty, Baishakhi Marjit and Payel De in a scene from Queens. Photo: Screen-grab/YouTube

Fitness and martial arts background aided action scenes

When asked about stepping into an action-heavy role, Mimi said: "I have been following a disciplined fitness regime for a decade, primarily to maintain my overall health and well-being. The karate training I received during my childhood has often proved invaluable while working in films and web series, especially when performing action sequences.

"Fitness is essential for any actor, as it enables us to give our best in every shot and sustain energy, focus, and performance levels during demanding schedules that often extend beyond 12 hours."

Mimi Chakraborty at press conference on Hoichoi web series Queens. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Meera's journey from grief to vengeance

The series follows four widows who refuse to succumb to grief and instead unite to seek revenge against those responsible for the killings.

At the heart of the story is Meera, played by Mimi, a pregnant widow who transforms from a grieving woman into a fierce leader determined to bring down her enemies.

Mimi Chakraborty in a scene from Queens. Photo: Screen-grab/YouTube

Boxing helps channel anger and emotions

Speaking about the emotional intensity required for the role and how she channels anger in real life, Mimi told IBNS: "Boxing has been one of the most effective ways for me to release negative energy and maintain mental balance.

"Beyond boxing, running and machine-free cardio workouts have played a significant role in helping me channel my emotions, especially anger, in a positive and productive manner. These activities not only keep me physically fit but also contribute greatly to my mental well-being and overall sense of discipline."

Women-centric stories remain significant

Queens explores themes of women empowerment, resilience, vengeance and the struggle for power in a male-dominated world.

Mimi perhaps could relate to the show's core themes, noting that securing a role in a women-centric project remains an achievement in a society and film industry still shaped by patriarchal norms.

"Being part of a women-centric series is a significant achievement in itself, especially in a society and film industry that continue to grapple with deeply entrenched patriarchal norms. Dainee remains one of the most cherished and dream roles of my career.

"At the same time, my experience in Queens has been equally special, with its unique energy, storytelling and character dynamics. Both projects have challenged and enriched me as an actor in different ways, which is why I find it impossible to choose one over the other," she said.

Besides headlining the project, Mimi turned a rapper with her first-ever rap track for Queens.

The song 'Queen for a Reason' was unveiled by the actor along with other cast members on Thursday.

Mimi Chakraborty with the entire cast of Queens. Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Apart from Mimi, the cast includes Baishakhi Marjit, Payel De, Debjani Singha, Durbar Sharma, Joydeep Mukherjee and Arna Mukhopadhyay.

The seven-episode series is currently streaming on Hoichoi.

(Event photos: Avishek Mitra/IBNS)