From the girl-next-door to a diva-in-making, Prachi Desai has played her cards right ever since her debut in Rock On!! in 2008. The actress, who started off her career in 2006 with her hit TV show Kasamh Se, became an overnight sensation with her beauty and talent. Bollywood was not too late to recognise this talent as she gave one hit after another with movies like Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai (2010), Bol Bachchan (2012) and I, Me Aur Main (2013). Even though the actress surprised many with her glamorous avatar, ever since her transition to Bollywood, she just proved that there is more to her than what is visible to the naked eye.From Rock On!! to Rock On!! 2, you have come a long way. Tell us a bit about your journey so far.
It’s been quite an amazing journey. It’s mostly been all about being critically appreciated for every role and yet having to work hard to prove myself time and again.
As a former reigning queen of television, do you have any plans of going back to it?
Frankly no, because unfortunately we do not have television content like the west and culturally too the audience does not seem to accept artists with a synonymous response in films and television simultaneously. So it’s either this or that. But it’s great to see acclaimed filmmakers put together wonderful miniseries on air in recent times which deserves acknowledgement and appreciation, and should continue in the future.
What is your take on the content being produced on Indian television these days?
It is in a very sorry state. It makes me wonder what day and age are we living in. Look at where the country is going, and look at the need of the hour…is this what we want to feed the audience with? The daily soap content can put the country to shame. It’s no secret that television has an enormous reach and the deepest penetration in even the smallest sectors, so the channels should account for its content and act more responsibly.
The release of Rock On!! and its immense success increased your popularity exponentially among Indian viewers.Rock On was my debut film at just 19! A very unconventional debut indeed. The response for the film and my role was really heartwarming, and pretty much the reason that made me realise ‘why I am here’.
It was great to see you in Rock On!! 2, how do you connect to the movie?
Actually I don’t! But it does hold a special place in my life as it was my debut movie. As an actor, Rock On!! 2 was particularly tough for me to relate to as the role is mature and way beyond my age. But of course I pull it off because that’s the actor in me. But as a viewer there are many complexities about life, friendships and relationships which I connect with.
Contrary to your real-life glamorous persona, most of your roles have portrayed you as the girl-next-door. What kind of roles do you wish to try out in the future?
I really wish to do a romantic film. That is one genre I have never dabbled in, be it a romantic musical or romantic comedy or a romance thriller. Like a Julia Roberts movie, wouldn’t that be fabulous…or a suspense thriller!
From the very beginning of your film career, you have been extremely careful with picking projects. What are the factors that you consider while choosing movies?
Every single aspect matters. The role, story, director etc.
Many were surprised by your glamorous avatar in Rock On!! after seeing you clad mostly in traditional wear during your television days. What is your take on fashion?I do enjoy it but I do not fall prey to fashion, rather I speak volumes through my personal style. As far as the look in the movie Rock On!! goes, it was sleek and stylised to suit the nature of an affluent south-Bombay girl. Sure it came as a far cry from my previous work but that was a surprise only for the viewers, as for me I do not dress anything like any of my movie characters in my personal life. Take a peek into my social media accounts and you will know.
Where do you wish to see yourself in the future?
Travelling every possible corner of the world and (without sounding like a Beauty pageant final round answer) giving back a lot to society.
RAPID FIRE
Favourite movie – Every Julia Roberts and Audrey Hepburn movie, Dark Water.
Favourite holiday destination – Scotland
Style icon – Miranda Kerr, Grace Kelly
Inspirations in your life – My mom
One role you wish you could have done – Neerja
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