“It is fine if you don’t know certain things,there’s always a scope to learn” – Prerna Raj

Prerna Raj is a theratre artist who has done more than ten plays including “Nuclear Sher” directed by Mr Salim Arif , “Is Naaummidi ki Qaynaat Main” by Dilip gupta, “Marching dead” by kahaani productions.

1] Tell us your journey?

My journey till now has been has been very challenging, although it helped me a lot to grow in every aspect of life and will certainly in future as well. They say, Learing in life never stops. Each and every day you face some sort of challenges, hurdles. But you need to manage everything. After coming to Mumbai, I realised that to get your name in this industry is not at all easy. You have to  accept few things, brace the good changes. It’s always unpredictable.

2] From where you got the inspiration to become an actress ?

To be honest, I don’t know what inspired me to become an actress. I always used to watch TV, to be specific music shows like Chitrahaar & Saturday, Sunday movies at Doordarshan.

I used to copy the dance moves, used to enact different movie scenes.

But I was conscious to tell about my love for arts during my childhood, because I was kind of an introvert person.

I just know when I was 3-4 yr old, I wanted to do what I saw on TV. I wanted to act.

3] What difficulties have you faced to mark your name in this industry?

I come from a very simple service class family. I am the only one in entire family who does Theatre and wants to get into this industry. It was tough for my family to convince and leave Delhi for Mumbai. It took almost 4 years to convince my family.

4] You are a theatre artist and you worked in TV ALSO, so tell us that what kind of skills are necessary for a person to come in entertainment industry?

It’s a very subjective thing. But being an artist is not a very easy job, like other professions.

But when it comes to me, I think presence of mind, true love for art, observation, knowledge about different cultures & languages, an ear for music, patients, understanding emotions of your own and others (I am an emotional one), practicality, confidence. That’s it.

But never force yourself, rather try to understand things. Its fine if you don’t know certain things. There’s always a scope to learn.

5] What kind of training did you go through to get to role in theature?

I was always active on stage since my school days. I have done skits, participated in dance competitions, did more than 20 street plays.

Then after completion of my college, I did my certificate course in theatrical studies from Shri Ram Centre of Performing arts(Mandi house, New Delhi).

I have been blessed to work with some of the prominent Theatre directors in Delhi & Mumbai. I was fortunate enough to perform my 1st two play shows in Mumbai at places like Prithvi theatres & NCPA.

6] Do you think that theatre is important for actor and why?

Although nobody can spoon feed you. If you have that thing within you and you can improvise and observe things and can project in your own way which is also very clear to the audience, with confidence. you need just good work.

Theatre is something which I love and respect a lot.

It helped me to understand the basics, techniques, improvisation, timing, presence of mind. It changed my prospective.

It’s always good to go for a good Theatre training.

7] What attracted you to begin a career as an actress?

I consider acting as my work and I love what I am doing. I want people to appreciate and like my work. I want to present my skills in front of the people. Thats enough to get attracted towards it.

8] Tell us your up-coming project?

I’m having a few upcoming Theatre plays, some unreleased pilot projects and a digital ad. Rest I’m also striving hard each and every day to get good work so that people can get entertained and appreciate my work. That would be my biggest achievement.