Prachi - Article in Rediff

'Other girls cannot do what I am doing today'

It is tough being Prachi Desai these days. She has injured her foot and can barely walk. But the hectic demands of a television career means that she cannot take the time off and recover from her injury. Besides, she is also determined to complete her education. That means a trip to Pune to give her Std 12 exams. But she is quite happy these days. She bagged the Popular Choice Award (Female) at the Sansui Television Awards on March 10. Though hobbling on one foot, the 19-year-old is thrilled with the way her role as Bani in Kasamh Se has become so popular. She chats with Rajul Hegde about the life as a TV star, and more. You appeared for your higher secondary examination in Pune recently. How did you fare? I haven't done very well. I would have done better last year. I missed my board exams last year because I was shooting for Kasamh Se. Since the serial was new, I couldn't study. This year, I didn't want to skip my exams. But I hurt my right foot, so I couldn't study much. But my teachers supported me.

I want to continue my studies and do a course in psychology. It requires a lot of time and due to my schedule, I am not so sure. I have to check with some colleges where I can study psychology. But first, I hope I pass my exams.

'Other girls cannot do what I am doing today'

When you entered the examination centre, what was the reaction of students, parents and the teachers? Did they ask for your autograph? I entered the classroom after everyone was seated. I had to sign autographs after the exams. You are also shooting for Kasamh Se in Mumbai at the same time. How do you balance your shooting schedules and studies? It is very difficult. It became worse when I hurt my right foot. It's been hurt for more than 20 days and will take another 15 days to recover completely. I had to miss the Anthakshari finals. I just went and wished the participants.

At the Sansui Television Awards, you won the Best Female popular choice award. How does it feel?

It feels great, getting an award is a big kick. It takes time to sink in but it becomes normal after sometime. It's a dream come true

'Other girls cannot do what I am doing today'

How has your life changed after Kasamh Se? It has totally changed. I used to bunk classes, sit in the canteen, go out with friends. Now, it's different. It has changed a lot but I am loving every bit of it. What is the difference between you and your charater in Kasamh Se, Bani? Bani is simple, sober, quiet, too sweet and 'gharelu' (homely). I am simple, shy and gharelu. But I hate being gharelu! Bani should have been more mischivious. Kasamh Se is one of the most popular serials today. How much of the credit do you take for the success of the serial? Everyone on the Kasamh Se team should get the credit, including my mother who sits there everyday while I am shooting. It is a big punishment for her.

You are just 19 years old. Do you get time to do what other girls of your age do?

I don't get time for myself and feel sad about that. But I am happy to be an actor; it is lovely being on TV. It's very nice, more good than bad. Other girls cannot do what I am doing today.

'Other girls cannot do what I am doing today'

How is it working with your co-stars and Ram Kapoor? Great, it's pleasure working with Ram Kapoor and my other co-stars. I have learnt both good and bad from them. What was your childhood dream? I did not want to study much. I always wanted to become an actor or an air hostess. You have quite a hectic schedule, how do you unwind? I work 12 hours a day. Whenever I have time I sleep or watch movies or television.

How did you become an actor?

Someone told me about an audition in Pune for Balaji Telefilms. Initially I didn't want to give the audition as my board exams were approaching. But I just went and was selected. Next week, I was in Mumbai and did not go back to Pune.

'Other girls cannot do what I am doing today'

How did you feel when you faced the camera for the first time? I was very nervous. There were a number of people around and I was horrified. The first few days were very scary, If you get offers from Bollywood, will you consider it? You don't' get offers easily, nothing is easy. I have to struggle and work hard. If ever I get an offer, I will do it. Now, I am happy doing television. Where do you see yourself five years from now? I am happy with whatever I have achieved. I don't want to stick to only one role, I want to do something different, some bubbly type of character, or something better. I want to anchor a show. Which TV serial, besides, Kasamh Se, do you watch? I watch Karam Apna Apna, Kayamat and Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki.

You are very close to Ekta Kapoor. If you get any offers from other production houses, will you accept it?

I am a huge Balaji loyalist. If am allowed to work elsewhere I will, otherwise I will work only with Balaji.