Patralekhaa Opens Up on Her Bollywood Career Journey, Reveals She Got Opportunities Through ‘Auditions’

Patralekhaa, who won hearts with her performance in the 2014 film CityLights, has made her way in the industry with her skills and passion for her career. As one of the most versatile actors in the industry, Patralekhaa has played various characters in films like Badnaam Gali and Nanu Ki Jaanu, and made an impact in web series such as Bose: Dead/Alive and Forbidden Love. Now, as she climbs the ladder of success, her journey has been anything but smooth.

In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Patralekhaa, who is also Rajkummar Rao’s wife, opened up about her journey and discussed the early success of CityLights. The actor said, “The film did really well. It is a beautiful feeling because very rarely does an actor at the beginning of their career get a part like that, a film like that.”

Despite the acclaim, she humbly remarks, “But it did nothing to me or for my career. I don’t know why! Maybe the times were such, or maybe it was just destiny. But what it did was, I got to work with some really amazing people, which only helped me make my art form better because I was so young at the time, new, and learning the job.”

Patralekhaa’s journey to success was filled with challenges. Reflecting on her early days, she reveals, “Back in the day, there was no structure to it [getting work]. There was no agency looking after me. I would give five auditions a day.”

She still auditions rigorously, firmly believing in the process of earning every role she takes on. “Whatever I was getting offered or whatever I’ve been part of, 80-90% of the work that I have done, I have gotten only through auditions.”

When talking about scripts, Patralekhaa emphasizes the evolution of her approach. “Initially, I was just taking up everything that I was being offered. I had no idea of the industry,” she admits, adding, “Now, for me, the story as a whole has to work because there’s no point in just seeing if my character is working or not. Then, it’s obviously the director. An actor is a very small part of his vision. So, I feel that the director is the most important thing after the script.”

Over the years in her career, Patralekhaa has featured in a number of movies, including Love Games, Badnaam Gali, Nanu Ki Jaanu, and others.