Launched by Abhishek Kapoor with Rock On in 2008, Prachi Desai is all set to play Sakshi in the film’s sequel Rock On 2. In a quick chat, the actress talks about her journey since the big Bollywood break, bonding with Shraddha Kapoor and not being Ekta Kapoor’s favoured.
Rock On was eight years ago. Why so long for the sequel?
I guess it must have really been tough for the makers to finally come up with a story they wanted to tell. With Rock On 2, we have taken the story forward in real time, with the same people. It cannot be just anything; it has to be a journey that makes sense.
Shraddha Kapoor is a new entrant in the band, how did it go with her on the sets?
It was really easy to gel with Shraddha because she is someone who doesn’t have any hang-ups. It was one of my best experiences, ever. We had a blast together on the sets. It helped that we’re almost the same age — she is just a year older than I am. It isn’t easy for me to connect with people who are much older than me. Shraddha and I think alike and share a sense of humour.
Not many TV actors like you or Sushant singh Rajput have come a long way in Bollywood…
I would really want to give the credit to Abhishek Kapoor for giving me this opportunity eight years ago and changing my life; and Sushant’s too. He gave me Rock On and he gave Sushant Kai Po Che. When we marked our debuts on the big screen, we were both doing well in the TV industry. We were huge household names. It has been amazing to take it forward from there; we aren’t just one film wonders. People never took chances back then and it was rare. I remember the kind of reactions I got when Rock On was announced with my name. Of course Shah Rukh Khan and Vidya Balan are the true game changers in the area. Even Yami and Ayushmaan for that matter have successfully made the jump.
Do you feel that Bollywood has become a lot more competent now?
Absolutely! In a country with a huge population, very few get to be on big screen, so it has to be a cutthroat competition. A lot of people are doing several things but getting big opportunities is what everyone is looking for.
How do you feel when people still call you a Balaji girl?
Rock On was my debut film and that had nothing to do with Balaji. Once Upon A Time In Mumbai was a film that gave me commercial success and that was my first Balaji film. After six long years, I did Azhar which happens to be Balaji. So I don’t know where this is coming from. I am not like an Alia for Dharma or Parineeti for YRF. I have never been like that for Balaji. I am not their blue-eyed girl. Having said that, if they have something good for me, they will surely approach me.
