For outsiders, surviving in Bollywood can be tough. But the Rock On!! and Policegiri actress Prachi Desai is ready to take up new challenges
From playing Bani Walia in Balaji Telefims’ popular series Kasamh Se to making her mark on the big screen with Rock On!! to playing Emraan Hashmi’s gal in Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and now Sanjay Dutt’s leading lady in Policegiri, Prachi Desai has come a long way. But it has not been all that easy for this youngster to find her footing in Bollywood. The industry can be a tough place for outsiders. What has helped her get projects is her immense determination and passion. Here’s chatting up the actress on projects, characters and more. Excerpts:

What was it like to work with Sanjay Dutt in Policegiri at a time when he was going through tough times?

The experience of working with Sanjay was wonderful. During the last few days of the shoot, we were a little upset… but we were amazed by the spirit he showed on the set. He still wore his best and bravest face. You won’t be able to make out which scenes and songs were shot before and after the verdict because Sanjay remained a true performer till the end of the shoot.

You are romancing a much older actor in the film. Were you at ease?

Sanjay is a great actor and it was amazing to work with him. He made me comfortable on the sets, so there was no reason for me to feel uneasy or awkward.

Is there any similarity between the character you play and yourself?

The only similarity is that I got to play my age in Policegiri. I play a software engineer, a livewire girl brimming with energy. My character is very colourful; we have tried our best to keep it young and identifiable. I am just happy experimenting with looks; and with Policegiri, I guess, I got a chance to do that again.

Which are the Bollywood actresses you compete with?

I don’t compete with anyone; we all are in the same league but yes I have to prove myself with every film. In this industry, luck is a big factor. I think it is tougher for us outsiders because we get opportunities with great difficulties. You need to keep proving yourself each time you get a chance, whether it is your second or third chance.

Would you do an item song?

These days I don’t see a lot of difference between a usual song and an item number. The bottom line is: The song should be entertaining. And yes, item numbers can help you in your career. If you get a song which is a chartbuster, it can be fantastic.

You have always acted in male-dominated films like Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai and Rock On!! Don’t you feel like spreading your wings and doing something different?

Many people ask me ‘Why don’t you do something different?’ I can’t break out into a dance in the middle of a serious film. Can I? One needs to stick to the role which you are playing and everything needs to revolve around it. When the time is right, I will surely do films out of my comfort zone.

Are you tempted to sign smaller films with better roles than big films with smaller roles?

I have never played safe in my life. My debut film, Rock On!! was not safe at all. We were all new, we took a risk and it worked for us. As long as it is a good film and the role is good, I am game.

You have the image of a non-aggressive person. Do you cry often?

Not any more. I control my tears now. Earlier, I would cry at the drop of a hat. I think holding back one’s tears makes the heart much heavier but I have learnt to do so. I am extremely sensible and you will not see me crying in front of anyone.