Pranati Rai Prakash On Cartel Web Series, Growing Up In Army Family & More

Lehren's exclusive with actor Pranati Rai Prakash as she talks about her upcoming web series 'Cartel'. She also talks about her childhood as an army brat, her journey in Bollywood and more.

Pranati Rai Prakash, who is best known as the winner of India’s Next Top Model 2016 edition and a semi-finalist at Miss India 2015 is gearing up for the release of her web series ‘Cartel’. It also stars Supriya Pathak and Rithvik Dhanjani, Tanuj Virwani and Divya Agarwal in lead roles. ‘Cartel’ will start streaming on Alt Balaji and MX Player from 20th August onwards.

Here’s an excerpt from our interview with Pranati Rai Prakash:

Tell us about the web series ‘Cartel’.

It has thrill and action. It also has elements of romance and comedy in some characters.

What is your role in Cartel?

My character’s name is Sumi Angre. She is a sweet girl who hails from a gangster family. However, she herself isn’t a gangster. She has her own dreams and wants to be an actor. She likes to dance and has a very emotional nature. But due to certain events, her life transforms. So how she moves on in her life is something the audience will find out when they watch.

Since the character is an aspiring actor, are there any similarities with your real life?

I and Sumi are very diferent. I am much stronger than her. I think I am two steps ahead in life. I am a courageous person and I don’t get scared or nervous very easily. But the way Sumi is quite a lively and enthisiatic girl, I feel that’s how I am in real life too. Just like Sumi, I also like to dance.

How was your experience working with Surpriya Pathak?

When I was a kid, my mother used to praise her a lot. So, when I got this show, I was very happy. Script, my character and the co-actors are the three things I look out for, while signing a project. You get to learn a lot from your co-actors.

Supriya Pathak Ma’am has so much experience. Initially, I was a bit nervous about working with her. I was afraid that she might be strict. But when I talked to her during our first scene, I realised that she was pretty chilled out. All my scenes with her are pretty intense in the show. So, we didn’t get a chance to have casual chats because we had to be in the mood of the scene. But we did talk a bit, because we are playing mother and daughter on screen. So, we needed to have that bond.

I look up to her and I respect her a lot. She used to tell us about her theatre experiences and her upcoming shows.

How was your experience working with Rithvik Dhanjani?

I know him since the time he used to judge the reality show in which I participated. At that time, I never talked to him but I always used to admire him. I like how talented and energinsed he is! And when I got to work with him in Cartel, I realised that he is very good actor and he takes his work very seriously.

We used to jam together on sets. I really enjoyed working with him.

Check Out: Pranati Rai Prakash Shares BTS Still From Alt Balaji’s Cartel

You started your career as a model and now you are into acting. How has been your journey so far?

There have been several ups and downs. But they are very important because they teach you a lot. i have always focused on learning. I am grateful because some really good projects have been offered to me. I am very happy wherever I am.

You hail from an army background. What was your childhood like?

I was a very bubbly and outgoing kid. I used to climb Mango and Litchi trees. We used to play all the time and go on treks. I was also good in athletics, painting etc.

Have you watched the latest film ‘Shershaah’?

I watched the film and cried a lot during several scenes. I could relate a lot to that film. When my father used to go to field postings, we would barely get a chance to talk to him. We wouldn’t even know when he would come back home. I remember that we used to write letters to him. My father has served at the Siachen glacier three times. I could imagine what my mother used to go through while watching Kiara Advani in the film.

The film made me feel proud. But at the same time, it also made me feel sad. Our soldiers and their families sacrifice a lot for the citizens of the country. I just have a sense of deep gratitude for them. What we can do is, be good citizens who are worth fighting for! We already have enemies and therefore, we should stop fighting with our fellow citizens.

Also Watch: When The Entire Crew Cried While Filming The Last Scene Of Shershaah

What kind of roles would you like to play in future?

I would definitely like to play an Army Officer’s role because I am a patriot since childhood. Living in cantonment, I have seen their life very closely. We, as kids, also used to do obstacle courses. So, I would be happy to relive that again. And I won’t even have to prepare a lot. I’ll just have to go and live with my father for a few days.

What’s your fitness mantra?

We need to eat good Indian food that includes green vegetables, pulses etc. I eat a normal Indian meal that includes Daal, Chawal, Sabzi, Roti. I eat a lot of fruits and veggies. I make sure to reduce carbs and fats in my diet. One needs to know the difference between good fat and bad fat. Ghee is a good fat and I include it in my diet.

I don’t follow a strict diet. You’ll find all necessary nutrients in your regular Indian meal.

I also do Yoga religiously. It keeps your mental health in check. It also adds flexibity and strength in your body. I also like to cycle because I like to see the outside world.

I also like to dance.

When I want to be a bit muscular, I do heavy weights. I also take protein shake, if I need to!

Also Watch: Exclusive Interview With Rohan Shankar- Writer Of Mimi And Luka Chuppi