A Conversation with Prachi Desai

“I always wanted to be an actor, but I didn’t know which medium would choose me.”

Q You made one of the most successful transitions from TV to films, which is fairly uncommon. How did you plan it? 

A I always wanted to be an actor, but I didn’t know which medium would choose me . After Kasamh Se on TV, I did the film Rock On. It was a dream come true for me and at that time, I didn’t even know if I would come this far. Nothing was planned and I took up both opportunities when they came my way, purely on instinct.

Q What is the fondest memory of your mentor, Ekta Kapoor, who gave you your first break? 

A I’d turned 18 a year after coming to Bombay and was working really hard, leaving me no time to make friends, so Ekta threw a surprise birthday bash for me. I did not know her very well then, but her gesture made me feel special.

Q Do you plan on working in TV and films simultaneously? 

A I want to be a mainstream actor and after films like Rock On and Life Partner, I guess I have to give up TV. After all the success I’ve achieved in TV, I want to explore films. But of course, I will always have a special place for TV in my heart .

Q Rock On was a hit, but your second film Life Partner got a lukewarm response.

A Before I did Life Partner, I realised films are an uncertain medium and you have to take chances. I’ve grown up watching most of the actors who are a part of the industry today and have witnessed their growth and failure. I came prepared with an attitude to accept whatever happens and I don’t take Life Partner as a personal failure since the collections of the film were fairly good and I didn’t receive any negative reviews.

Interviewed by Rubina A. Khan