Nominated at Melbourne film fest for “Laapataa Ladies,” Pratibha says earnings through social media activities give her freedom to pick and choose movies
Pic/Instagram
In a meteoric rise that has captured the attention of the Indian film industry and fans alike, Pratibha Ranta is proving to be a name to reckon with. Once an admirer of Alia Bhatt’s versatile performances, Ranta’s own role in “Laapataa Ladies” has earned her a nomination in the Best Actor category at the prestigious Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Sharing this category with her inspiration, Alia Bhatt, and other notable actresses like Jyotika for “Kaathal—The Core” and Parvathy for “Ullozhukku,” Ranta finds herself living a dream. “Alia, Jyotika, and Parvathy have set benchmarks with their roles. To be nominated alongside them is truly a dream come true for me,” Ranta mentions, her voice brimming with excitement.
The actress initially made a significant impact with her portrayal of the headstrong character, Jaya, in her debut film. This was followed by an eye-catching, albeit brief, appearance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” released in May. The role added another feather to her cap, establishing her as a popular and promising face in the industry. However, despite this newfound fame, Ranta strives to maintain a sense of normalcy in her life. “I yearn to keep my life as it was before all the recognition. When my life was simpler, I could concentrate better on my craft. I always strive to remember that simplicity,” Ranta shares, reflecting a grounded perspective amidst the chaos of fame.
This sense of grounding has significantly influenced her work ethic and choices. Unlike many in the industry who often have to juggle financial constraints while selecting roles, Ranta enjoys an unusual freedom. Thanks to her prolific social media presence, she has established a robust financial foundation that liberates her from the pressures of monetary negotiations when choosing acting projects. “My social media activities render me financially secure. This allows me the luxury to negotiate only on the script and not on the money,” Ranta reveals with a sense of contentment. Her earnings from social media enable her to focus on meaningful roles that resonate with her and her audience.
Ranta has a clear vision for the type of stories she wishes to tell.
. “I aim to feature in narratives that give a voice to the women around us. I’m receiving a slew of offers for diverse characters, which are so fascinating that choosing one becomes bewildering at times,” she states, highlighting the quality and range of roles coming her way. Despite the abundance of choices, she acknowledges the difficulty in refusing offers. “I had never read a script before stepping into this industry; everything is new to me. Saying no is never easy. But honesty helps you navigate these situations,” she elaborates, shedding light on her straightforward approach to decision-making.
Pratibha Ranta’s journey from being an ardent fan of Alia Bhatt to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her in prestigious nominations is both inspiring and instructive. Her unwillingness to compromise on quality, combined with her financial independence thanks to social media ventures, sets her apart in an industry where such freedom is rare.
Her dedication to lending a voice to women’s stories is not just a professional choice but a personal mission. This focus tends to resonate with a broad audience, creating an impact that extends beyond the screen. Whether it is the story of Jaya in her debut film, her contribution to “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,” or her acclaimed role in “Laapataa Ladies,” Ranta consistently opts for roles that challenge societal norms and present strong, complex female characters.
This journey has not been without its challenges. The actor acknowledges that her financial independence gives her the luxury to make more thoughtful selections, which might not be the case for everyone. Using her platform to its fullest potential, she has turned her social media presence into a financial powerhouse, effectively bridging the gap between art and commerce. “Using social media wisely has allowed me to prioritize my craft over other concerns. And for that, I’m grateful every day,” she concludes, attributing her ability to focus on quality roles to her financial freedom.
As Pratibha Ranta prepares for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and looks ahead to her future projects, she remains a figure of aspiration for budding actors, advocating for the importance of staying grounded and being selective with one’s work. Her story exemplifies how financial independence can empower artists to remain true to their artistic vision, setting a precedent in an industry often driven by compromise and commercial pressures.
