Mumbai, India – Patralekhaa, known for her acclaimed performance in the web series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,’ recently spoke about her decade-long journey in the entertainment industry and how the cultural phenomenon of Ganesh Chaturthi helped her acclimate to life in Mumbai. The actress, originally from Shillong, opens up about her rise to stardom and the challenges she faced along the way.
In an exclusive interview with mid-day.com, the actress, who debuted in 2014 with Hansal Mehta’s ‘CityLights,’ recounts her uphill battle to find her place in Bollywood. Reflecting on her initial days, Patralekhaa says, “People didn’t warm up to me initially. It took me 10 years.” She shared anecdotes from her earlier days when she was still in Bangalore, recounting how she would get random modeling offers but always declined them. Her father, a Chartered Accountant, had different aspirations for her, enrolling her in a CA institute. “For the first year, I was like, ‘Listen, I just came out of ICSE.’ I used to study a lot because I was a good student. I just wanted to take a year off,” she recalls, adding, “By then, I was quite determined to pursue acting, but I didn’t know how to navigate my way. I was so new and didn’t even have friends initially. But one thing led to another, and I hustled like a maniac.”
Despite the struggles, Patralekhaa highlights that her journey wasn’t marred by any “sob stories.” Instead, the strength and encouragement she received from her parents kept her going. She reveals, “I was not part of any agency. I used to get these bulk messages from coordinators. The good thing is, I don’t have any sad stories. My strength is my parents.” Her family’s investment in a property in Oshiwara, Mumbai, coincidentally close to audition hubs, became a significant turning point. She explains, “It was just by coincidence. My parents invested in a property in Mumbai not thinking that their daughter would become an actress. Everything just fell into place.
.”
It was the repetitive participation in auditions that gave Patralekhaa a sense of accomplishment. “I went to all these auditions because I liked going for them. It gave me a sense of achievement, of me, trying to make something out of my day, every day, instead of just sitting at home,” she says.
However, the transition wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest cultural shocks for Patralekhaa, upon moving to Mumbai, was the city’s reserved nature. “People mind their own business, which is a great thing but was very hard for me initially since I didn’t know anybody.” Over time, as she began building her social circle, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi became a pivotal moment for her. She reflects, “Ganpati brings in so many factors—celebrating life, food, meeting people. It kind of broke the ice for me.” During the festival, her neighbors, whom she hadn’t met before, came knocking on her door, inviting her to join in the celebrations. “I didn’t even know who my neighbors were until Ganpati time came. It truly brought me closer to the people around me,” she recounts.
Adding to the festivities, Patralekhaa’s husband Rajkummar Rao, who she met on the sets of ‘CityLights,’ also plays a significant role in celebrating the festival. “Raj even sculpts Ganpati at home. Mumbai is a great city. It truly gives you so much in terms of wealth, people, and learning,” she shares, expressing her affection for the city and its resilience. “I’ve been through the floods, and terrorist attacks, and I just see how people jump back, no matter what.”
As Patralekhaa continues to make her mark in the industry, she shows no signs of slowing down. With a decade behind her and an array of experiences that have shaped her both personally and professionally, she stands as an inspiring figure in Bollywood. Reflecting on the ups and downs of her journey, she maintains an optimistic outlook, grateful for every opportunity and challenge that has come her way.
The actress’ journey from the serene hills of Shillong to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, coupled with the cultural amalgamation that the city offers, encapsulates the essence of perseverance and adaptability. Ganesh Chaturthi undoubtedly served as the perfect ice-breaker, integrating her into the city that never sleeps. As she continues to rise in her career, Patralekhaa remains appreciative of the many lessons learned and the relationships forged in her adopted home of Mumbai.
