In an exclusive interview with mid-day.com, actress Patralekhaa, who has been receiving widespread applause for her role in the Anubhav Sinha-directed web series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,’ shares her journey from the serene hills of Shillong to the bustling streets of Mumbai. She also opens up about how Ganesh Chaturthi, one of Mumbai’s grandest festivals, played a pivotal role in helping her integrate into the city’s fast-paced culture.
Patralekhaa’s aspiration to become an actress was unwavering. She made her cinematic debut in 2014 with the film ‘CityLights’, directed by Hansal Mehta. Sharing the screen with her now-husband Rajkummar Rao, the film marked the beginning of her decade-long journey in the entertainment industry. Reflecting on her early years, she recounted, “People didn’t warm up to me initially. I had to navigate a steep learning curve for 10 years. When I was in Bangalore, I would get random offers to do modeling, but I turned them down. After moving to Mumbai, I faced a bit of a dilemma. My father, a Chartered Accountant (CA), wanted me to follow in his footsteps. He took me to the institute and enrolled me, assuming it was a logical step for my career.”
However, young Patralekhaa had other plans. While she had always been a dedicated student, excelling in her ICSE exams, she harbored a dream of acting. “For the first year, I told my dad that I needed time off because I was exhausted. I wanted a break. He accepted it without much fuss, and there was no confrontation about my choice. By the time the year ended, I was quite determined to pursue acting, although I was completely new to the industry and had no friends to guide me. It was a solo journey where I hustled relentlessly,” she explained.
Despite the challenges, Patralekhaa admitted she doesn’t have a ‘sob story’ to tell. She wasn’t affiliated with any agency and relied on bulk messages from coordinators to find her way into auditions. “The fortunate part is that my parents were my backbone. They had bought a house in Oshiwara, which unexpectedly became very convenient as it’s a hub for numerous auditions.
. This wasn’t planned; my parents never bargained for their daughter aspiring to be an actress. Everything fell into place organically. I attended auditions not just to bag roles, but because they gave me a sense of accomplishment. Meeting numerous people and aspiring actors enriched my experience. I learned a lot along the way,” she affirmed.
Life in Mumbai, however, was not without its cultural shocks for Patralekhaa. Accustomed to a close-knit community life in Shillong, the impersonal nature of Mumbai initially took her by surprise. “Here, people mind their own business. While it’s generally a positive thing, I found it difficult initially because I didn’t know anyone and was trying to make new friends. Gradually, I did end up forming amazing bonds. It wasn’t until Ganesh Chaturthi that I even knew who my neighbors were. Suddenly, they were knocking on my door, inviting me to join the celebrations,” she said.
Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival of bringing home and worshipping Lord Ganesha, turned out to be an ice-breaker for Patralekhaa. The festival is marked by grand household celebrations, community gatherings, and an overall sense of camaraderie. “Ganpati brought so much joy — the celebrations, the food, and the opportunity to meet new people. It was a pivotal moment for me to really start feeling connected to the spirit of Mumbai. Raj even sculpts Ganpati idols at home. The city, despite its quick pace and hard exterior, has a heart. It offers so much — wealth, education, and a myriad of experiences. I have witnessed the city’s resilience during floods and terrorist attacks, and how people rally together no matter what,” she remarked.
Reflecting on her decade-long journey, Patralekhaa feels grateful for every step of the way. From the skepticism she faced in her early career to the acclaim she now enjoys, her story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and an acceptance of the layered experiences Mumbai has offered her. The city that once felt overwhelming is now her home, thanks to moments like Ganesh Chaturthi that helped her break the ice and build lasting connections.
