Actress Patralekhaa, currently receiving critical acclaim for her role in the Anubhav Sinha directed web series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,’ recently shared her experiences in a candid interview with mid-day.com. The conversation revealed her remarkable journey from Shillong to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai and how the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi played a vital role in helping her acclimate to her new environment.
Patralekhaa’s dedication to becoming an actress was unwavering from the very beginning. She made her acting debut in 2014 under the direction of Hansal Mehta in the film ‘CityLights,’ where she starred opposite her now-husband, Rajkummar Rao. Reflecting on her initial days, she stated, “People didn’t warm up to me. It took me 10 years. When I was in Bangalore, I would randomly get offers for modeling. I used to shut it off. Once I came to Mumbai, my dad wanted me to become a Chartered Accountant. He took me to the institute and enrolled me because he was a CA. For the first year, I was like, ‘Listen, I just came out of ICSE, I want to take a year off.’ He was like, ‘Cool,’ and we never spoke about it again. By that time, I was quite determined to pursue acting, but I didn’t know how to navigate my way. I was so new and didn’t have friends. But one thing led to another, and I hustled like a maniac.”
Throughout her journey, the support of her family was a crucial factor. Patralekhaa detailed her early struggles and how her parents’ unwavering support was instrumental in her perseverance. “I was not part of any agency. I used to get bulk messages from coordinators. The good thing is that I don’t have any sob stories; my strength is my parents. I had a house back in Oshiwara, Mumbai, the hub for auditions, and this was all by coincidence. My parents invested in a property in Mumbai without realizing their daughter would become an actress. Everything fell into place. I attended all these auditions because it gave me a sense of achievement.
. I didn’t want to just sit at home. I would meet tons of aspiring actors and learn so much on this journey. I don’t have a sad story,” she remarked.
Despite her initial determination, the transition to Mumbai was not seamless. Patralekhaa confessed that she faced several cultural shocks upon her move to the city. One of the more challenging aspects was the realization that everyone in Mumbai seemed to mind their own business, a norm that clashed with her understanding of community interaction. “It was very hard initially since I didn’t know anybody. I was going out there trying to make friends. Eventually, I did end up making some amazing friends,” she shared.
The turning point in her acclimatization process was the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. As she reminisced, this celebration was a significant ice-breaker for her in the city. She noted, “I didn’t even know who my neighbors were until Ganpati time came, and they knocked on my door. Ganpati brings in so many facets—celebrating life, food, and meeting people, and it kind of broke the ice. Raj even sculpts Ganpati at home. Mumbai is a great city; it truly offers so much in terms of wealth, people, and learning. I’ve been through floods and terrorist attacks, and I just see how people jump back, no matter what.”
Her now-husband, Rajkummar Rao, has also significantly influenced her journey. The couple shares many traditions, one of which includes sculpting their own Ganpati idol at home. This personal touch not only strengthens their bond but also serves as a reminder of how far Patralekhaa has come since her initial days in the city.
Patralekhaa’s story is one of resilience and determination, underscored by familial support and cultural integration. Ganesh Chaturthi, a pivotal part of Mumbai’s cultural fabric, served as the perfect welcome mat for her to introduce herself to the community. The festival’s spirit of inclusivity and celebration played a crucial role in making the actress feel at home in the sprawling metropolis.
As Patralekhaa continues to advance in her career, her journey from a small town in Shillong to the heart of Bollywood serves as an inspiring tale of perseverance and the importance of cultural assimilation. Through trials and triumphs, Ganesh Chaturthi remains a fond memory and a symbol of her acceptance and integration into the vibrant city of Mumbai.
