EXCLUSIVE: “I really think of Rajkummar as an artist,” says Patralekhaa

Well, now as I look back, I don’t think anything of it. My father wanted me to become a CA, but I didn’t. I started auditioning for commercials and one thing led to another.

Are you the studious type?

I mean, I’m not bad. I got 85 percent.

From City Lights to IC 814: The Kandahar Hijacking, has anything changed the way you approach your characters now?

Of course, a lot has changed as you have also grown as a person. Life happens. You learn so much from life. There is a huge difference. The girl that started at 24 years old and the woman that I am now, there is a huge difference. Acting is so personal, because you get so much from your personal life, your experiences, and your ups and downs.

They are all like me. It’s a trick question, but I feel like there’s a lot in them and a lot of them become a part of me once I’m done filming for the show or the movie.

Are there any movies you regret turning down?

No, I don’t regret my decision. It felt right or wrong at the time, but I am very happy for the producers who worked for them.

Here comes IC 814: The Kandahar Hijacking, how did it go for you?

I know that Anubhav Sinha sir was writing the script and I pestered him for six months. He wasn’t sure. He said it’s not much, but I want to work with him. As I said when you asked, working with a good director is priceless. Anubhav sir is a master at his craft and it is on my bucket list to work with him. When you work with a great director, he also brings out the best in you, like Hansal (Mehta) sir and Anubhav sir. I think it’s non-negotiable, back to your question. I kind of pestered him and I was really harrowing him to take me. Finally, he wrote to me.

Your character suffers a lot in the series…

Of course it is. yes. But that’s how you come from in real life, right?

Do the intricacies of the character appeal to you?

At first, no. Because it took me a while to understand the character. It usually takes me two to three days, regardless of whether I prepare or not. It also has a lot to do with your co-actors, the director, and the location you’re filming. It also depends on the costume you wear. At first, complexity was not a problem.

Along…

But we took a large plane parked among the mountains of Jordan. I was really overwhelmed by the place. Also, when it comes in, it feels a little stuffy. I’m sure everyone has boarded the plane. It’s really close. You can’t do much movement there. We have 100 juniors, four to five cameras, along with the main crew and cast. So, it got me.

No, I’m actually leaving tonight for London. I took something there. You know, it really is for me. I didn’t know until I got there. I feel very tired. I feel very weak. It takes some time to unwind. But I have started shooting other films. I think that helped me a bit. Imagine getting out of a hijacked plane and getting into another plane. It’s quite a flight, really.

The series has stalwarts like Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra and more…

I don’t take anything with them. But it was really encouraging to be on the same set as him. I have only gratitude. I didn’t think the show was going to reach such heights.

How was it working with Vijay Varma for the second time?

I have known Vijay for a long time. I met him for the first time when we were auditioning for a movie. We did two to three scenes at a time but had a great time. Vijay is a very good actor. I know this boy sooner or later.

Are you two good friends in real life?

We are good friends. But it’s not like we hang out every day. But every time I see a great performance, I call him. I cheer for him. Every time we meet, I can feel a good bond.

What was Rajkummar Rao’s initial reaction when he saw you in full character?

When the reviews for the series began to come in, I could see that he liked it more than me. Raj has always been very supportive. She has always been our biggest cheerleader. He felt more than happy if I got the part. If I had to audition, he was the one to audition. So, I know he always favors me.

Do you prepare your scenes together if you have to prepare them at home?

Not really. We talked about the scene but didn’t prepare it. The moment you start prepping for the scene, it’s so ingrained that you don’t do something new when you’re on the plane. But we talked about it. If I feel stuck somewhere or there is an important scene, I ask him. I really look up to him as an artist and as an actor. But no, we don’t practice. To be honest, I don’t believe in training. Yes, preparation, yes, but not practice. So, do you believe in spontaneity as an actor? Yes, at the moment.

It is the vision of Sabya sir (Sabyasachi Mukherjee). He asked me about my choice. I told him I wanted something in my father’s handwriting but he didn’t think that would work. I asked about the vision. We got stuck and exchanged ideas. We ended up thinking that this would be our piece of text.

Are you looking forward to working with Rajkummar in the future?