Growing up

A household name in a daily soap, debutante in a hit film musical, winner of a dance reality show and now a lead in a big banner filmu00a0-- there aren't many 22-year-olds who can boast of all that in just half a decade. Little wonder then that Prachi Desai has grown faster than her years. She talks to CS about growing up:


WHO: Prachi Desai
WHAT: Talking about growing up early in life

Early break
I grew up too fast in a really short period of time. I was 17 when I entered the industry and it took me almost a year to even realise that Bani had become such a household name. I had to quit after my HSC board to pursue acting fulltime for Kasamh Se.

And though I don't regret it, I do sometimes miss experiencing college life. All my friends and classmates enjoyed their life while I worked. I missed spending time in the college canteen and bunking lectures and general timepass in the campus. Somedays, the real Prachi would want to jump out of the sedate Bani's skin. However, I'm hoping that someday I'll be able to continue with my studies. I want to study psychology.

Highs and lows
However, because of my hard work, I was able to be a part of my elder sister's dream. I could help her pursue MBA in Australia, which otherwise would have been difficult. However, the only thing that I feel bad about is that I couldn't give my ailing grandmother enough time in her last days. My naani had dementia and she only recognised me. But because of my work, I wasn't able to be by her side. I feel very guilty. The sight of my naani in her last days still gives me sleepless nights sometimes.

Experience talks
Coming from Panchgani, I found Mumbai quite tough. The initial years were quite unpleasant. And I soon learnt that when you are too young and successful, not many people around like it. I'd hardly open my mouth for fear of saying something wrong. That was the time Ekta advised me to not let the jealousy and hatred get to me. Even she had started young and had been through all this. But she moved on and kept working hard. And we all know where she is today. Her words of wisdom still inspire me.