Theatre has taught me to go with the flow which has always been my mantra for life, says Pragati Mishra | EXCLUSIVE

Even though actress Pragati Mishra hails from a very small town in Uttar Pradesh (it’s called Khamarkha in Banda district), that just did not stop her not just dreaming big… but also working her way to achieve that big dream that she had seen for herself. Just like the innumerable hopefuls, Pragati Mishra too saw a dream of making it big in the entertainment industry. With her sheer determination, passion and incessant hard work, Pragati Mishra. She is presently riding high on the runaway success of ‘UP-65’, which has been directed by Gaganjeet Singh.

The actress was in an exclusive conversation with OTTplay

It’s often said that, a person is known by the company that he keeps. In your case, you are seen along with Shine Pandey. In that case , do you feel that you are SHINE-ing enough in your career?
I definitely do. It was really lovely working with him. He is definitely a shining star.

How has your showbiz journey so far?
I actually started my journey with theatre THESPO. that’s where I screened my first play. I was primarily a stage actor before I started working in screen.

What has theatre taught you?
Theatre has taught me to go with the flow which has always been my mantra for life.

In a nutshell, what’s your character in ‘UP 65’ all about?
When I got my character sketch of Shubrat, it was described as someone who is a breath of fresh air, someone who has got her own voice and someone who is very intelligent and definitely a breath of fresh air. She is basically a prankster who lives the life to the fullest. This was the only script which was in Devnaagri, which really excited me. I had a blast while giving my audition.

The first time someone hears the name ‘UP 65’, will surely ask for a return call? And will surely be intrigued by the title.
That’s a great and interesting way to put up the question. I really loved the way you asked me that question. But, let me tell you ‘UP 65’ is nothing but Benares. I was told that the script was based on the best-selling novel by Nikhil Sachan. The story to me is very unique. And who better than Nikhil sir to tell the story. When I read the character and how Shubra plays her part and experiences love for the first time, was very exciting because I was on to the Shubra’s personality.

‘UP 65’ is all about IIT. What kind of preparations you did for your role?
I actually took up science in eleventh and twelfth grade. I spoke to my IIT friends in order to know all the nuances, the highs and lows of being in IIT. Our story shows the other tings which the students do apart from studying in IIT. We were blessed because the writer and director of the show are from IIT.

Tell us about the locations of your shooting
The story is based on a fictional institute. We shot in Benares and Vadodara. Overall, it was a truly surreal experience.

What will you want to advice to students who are interested in academics as well as showbiz?
If they are interested in academics, then, it’s always advisable to get an education first. There have been many people who have cleared their IIT exams and have been in Indian Classical Music for as many as seventeen years. I feel life is what you make of it. Always follow your heart. You can always go to IIT and be the cultural head of the institute and see where life takes you.

Your future projects?
I have shot for a show called ‘Four By Four’ with Anshuman Jha. I did a small role in Vishal Bharadwaj’s web show ‘Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley’.