Child artiste-turned-actor Prakruti Mishra is a popular face in many Odia households. A third-year student of Rama Devi Women’s college in Bhubaneswar, Prakruti, then five years old, was roped in to play a part in popular bhajan singer Namita Agarwal’s video. She soon caught the eye of director Sisir Mishra, who cast her in his film Sabata Maa. Prakruti bagged the 2005 Orissa State Film Award for best child artiste for the film Sasu Ghara Chalijibi.
Daughter of music director Manmath Mishra, Prakruti knows her musical notations well. Open to all kinds of roles, her ultimate dream is to play the part of Chandramukhi (Devdas). Having learnt the basics of dancing from noted Odissi dancer Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, the actor believes she can match the steps of Madhuri Dixit, who played that role. Prakruti has worked in some popular serials of Odia television, such as Tulasi and Mausi and films such as Pagala Karichi Paunji Tora and Saat Sure Bandha Ei Jibana, apart from documentaries, advertisements and music albums. The young actress gets candid about her college life.
What did college teach you?
School was more of the same people in different shapes and sizes. College meant a lot of different people with different backgrounds, dreams and aspirations. So college really taught me how to respect the choices that people make and that to accept that everyone’s different.
What is your proudest moment in college?
I have participated in a number of contests including beauty pageants in college and have won. So that was pretty cool.
Have you had any embarrassing moments in college?
I am fortunate that I did not have to face any embarrassing moments in college so far.
How do you score points with the opposite gender?
Since I study in a women’s college, I haven’t had the chance.
Is bunking a part of your college routine?
I might be a professional actor but I have not discontinued my studies. I never bunk classes. I am very serious about my exams. I also try my best to not miss classes. I don’t have the time for tuitions, so I research online. My laptop is my constant companion.
Do you have any rifts with professors? Why?
Never.
Where do you hang out in college with friends?
Going out with my friends and having yummy food from the roadside stalls of Bhubaneswar are my favourite leisure activities. I have a really cool group of friends. Whenever I am free, I call them over to my house. They never fail to join me. Though various types of cuisine are available in this city, I am very fond of Chinese and Indian food. We are frequent visitors of the multi-cuisine restaurants in the city.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I am into modelling, and work for a few societies. I am always involved with organising technical and cultural fests. I am not only an actor but also a singer by profession. I practise regularly.
— diana@newindianexpress.com