Born and raised in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Lekha Prajapati’s journey into the film industry is nothing short of extraordinary. Coming from a family with no ties to the entertainment world, her path was carved not by tradition, but by an undeniable pull towards creativity and expression. Though she originally envisioned a career in defense services, life had other plans, leading her to the glitzy world of Mumbai’s modeling scene and eventually to the silver screen. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Lekha’s story is a testament to how determination, adaptability, and the courage to embrace the unknown can lead to success, no matter the background.
The Unexpected Start in Modeling
Prajapati’s journey into modeling began unexpectedly. She recalls, “I participated in a beauty pageant on an impromptu basis. I didn’t win, but something changed in me when I walked on the ramp. The lights, the cameras, and being the center of attention made me realize that this was something I wanted to pursue.”
Realizing the Need for a Long-Term Career in Acting
Although the world of modeling was captivating, Lekha soon understood its transitory nature. She realized that to sustain a career in the entertainment industry, she needed to delve deeper into a more long-term field: acting. It was then that she took a serious step into the world of theatre, gradually honing her skills to transition into film.
Navigating the Industry Without a Guide
Coming from a non-film background, Prajapati faced the daunting task of learning the ropes of the industry without any guidance. “I came to realize that, rather than successful actors, there are more unsuccessful actors—those who cannot always make it,” she says. With no connections to the industry and limited knowledge of what transpired behind the scenes, Lekha embarked on a self-taught journey, learning valuable lessons through hands-on experiences. “A lesson self-learned is the best lesson,” she explains, acknowledging the challenges of navigating an industry that few truly understand until they step into it. For Lekha, acting is not just about glamour; it’s a serious, dedicated craft.
Carving a Niche in the South Indian Film Industry
Over the years, Lekha Prajapati has carved a niche for herself in the South Indian film industry, making her mark with several notable projects. She is best known for her roles in the blockbuster “iSmart Shankar” (directed by Puri Jagannath) and the Malayalam horror thriller “Kshanam.” Her journey has also taken her to Bollywood, where she featured in Ajay Devgn’s “The Big Bull,” starring Abhishek Bachchan, Ileana D’Cruz, and Sohum Shah. Lekha has continued to broaden her horizons with roles in “City of Dreams 2,” “The Right One,” and “Crimes and Confessions.”
Expanding Her Acting Portfolio with New Projects
Her recent projects showcase her growing versatility as an actress. She wrapped up a feature film with Vishal Pandya, known for his work on the “Hate Story” series, and another for Ali Abbas Zafar’s production house set for an OTT release. Her latest release, “Rafuchakkar,” streaming on JioStudios, has garnered positive attention, as has her role in “Fukrey 3.” Lekha’s portfolio continues to expand, demonstrating not just her talent, but her willingness to experiment across genres and platforms.
Learning from Senior Industry Veterans
Prajapati credits much of her growth to working alongside seasoned industry veterans. “The learning from senior actors is indirect, almost subconscious. I constantly observed them, especially right before takes. Despite their seniority, they always treated me equally,” she reflects, highlighting the collaborative and respectful nature of the industry. Having worked with the likes of Abhishek Bachchan in “The Big Bull” and Bobby Deol in the “Class of ’83,” Lekha values the opportunity to learn from such accomplished professionals. These experiences have been key to her growth, both as an actress and as a person in the industry.
A Memorable Experience at IFFI 2024
One of the standout moments in Lekha’s career came recently at the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 in Goa. It was here that her latest project, “Saali Mohabbat,” premiered to a standing ovation. Directed by Tisca Chopra and produced by fashion mogul Manish Malhotra, the film stars a stellar cast including Radhika Apte, Divyendu Sharma, and Anurag Kashyap.
“This was my third year at IFFI, but this year was different. I was sitting in the audience, watching my film on the big screen,” says Lekha, reflecting on the surreal experience. Prajapati believes that platforms like IFFI are invaluable for filmmakers and actors alike, offering a unique space for collaboration, networking, and exposure. “IFFI 2024 was nothing less than a Cannes Film Festival,” she says, emphasizing the prestige of the event.
The Bold and Offbeat Storyline of “Saali Mohabbat”
When speaking about “Saali Mohabbat,” Lekha reveals her admiration for Tisca Chopra, “I’ve always been a fan of Tisca ma’am. It was a pleasure to work with her, and Manish sir as well. This film is the first production of his production house, and the topic we chose is so offbeat. It’s very different from commercial cinema.” The film’s unique storyline and bold approach show Lekha’s growing interest in non-mainstream, thought-provoking roles.
Creating Content and Connecting with Fans on Social Media
Alongside her film career, Lekha has ventured into creating lighthearted content with renowned comedian Kiku Sharda. Their comedic videos have garnered millions of views and are beloved by fans. Lekha views social media as a powerful tool for reaching audiences, though she is quick to point out its limitations. “Social media is a bubble. It’s what you want people to see, and no one posts their failures. But for actors, it’s an incredible way to acquire a substantial reach with just one click,” she explains. Her content with Kiku Sharda, while humorous, remains grounded in authenticity, something Lekha values deeply. “We create comedy content just for fun, but we stay true to our fans, and that’s what matters,” she says.
Adapting to Changes in the Film Industry
As the film industry continues to evolve, Lekha adapts by embracing the changing nature of acting. “Earlier, everything in films was overdramatic—makeup, dancing, acting. Now, people prefer more natural, relatable characters. Over time, inclusivity and acceptance have played huge roles in shaping the industry,” she observes. She believes that as regional cinema is increasingly accepted globally, language will no longer be a barrier to talent.
Future Goals and Valuable Advice for Aspiring Actors
Looking ahead, Lekha is focused on furthering her acting career, but she also has her eyes set on producing films in the future. “I would like to die on set,” she says with a positive attitude. “Set energy is something else—it’s a feeling that can’t be explained; it must be experienced.” For now, however, Lekha is focused on balancing her roles in Hindi films, regional cinema, and web shows, all of which continue to thrive. Her upcoming projects include “Girgit” with Vishal Pandya and “Ikroop” with Ali Abbas Zafar’s production house.
Lekha concludes with valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers and actors. “Nothing is impossible. Impossible itself says ‘I’m Possible.’ If you have a clear vision and are ready to work hard, nothing can stop you—except yourself.” To aspiring actors, she adds, “People might tell you ten different things, but never lose your originality.” Lekha Prajapati’s journey is a powerful reminder that with hard work, dedication, and authenticity, anything is possible in the world of entertainment.
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