In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, Patralekhaa Paul Rao opens up about her journey, reflecting on the milestones, challenges and triumphs that have shaped her into the artist she is today. With unbridled honesty and characteristic candor, she also shares insights into her creative process, her most recent role in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack and the lessons she’s learned along the way
aarti sreenath
In her decade-long journey, Patralekhaa Paul Rao has evolved from a fresh-faced newcomer to a mature actress, shaped by her choices, challenges and resilience. Reflecting on her career, she admits she never saw herself in any other field, despite her father’s hope that she would pursue a career as a chartered accountant.
“I started auditioning for ads and just kept going from there,” she recalls. That seemingly small step eventually led to her breakout role in CityLights—a film that set her on a trajectory as one of India’s most promising talents. “Looking back, I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.”
Known for her distinctive, thoughtful approach to roles, Patralekhaa’s process has transformed since her early days. She explains, “There’s a stark difference between the 24-year-old girl who started out and the woman I am now.” Life has changed her perspective on acting, deepening her connection with the characters she portrays. “Acting is so personal because you pull so much from your own experiences, from the highs and lows of life itself.” Her latest role in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack presented both a creative and personal challenge—one she was thrilled to take on.
Securing this role, however, required patience and determination. When she learned that Anubhav Sinha was working on the script, she immediately reached out. “I pestered him for six months,” she says, recalling her persistence. Although Sinha was initially uncertain, she was relentless in her pursuit. “He finally relented and wrote something for me. Working with directors like him or Hansal Mehta is non-negotiable for me—they’re masters of their craft.”
Her commitment to IC 814 meant embracing the intense atmosphere on set, particularly in the claustrophobic setting of an airplane parked amid the mountainous terrain of Jordan. “It felt overwhelming at times, especially with 100 extras, crew members and cameras everywhere,” she explains. The realism of the set amplified her immersion in the role. “Once inside, it felt so claustrophobic. Anyone who’s been on a plane knows the space is tight and we had so many people crammed in. It definitely got to me.”
Despite the emotional toll, she had little time to unwind. Immediately after wrapping up the shoot, she flew to London for her next project. “I didn’t realise how drained I was until I got there,” she admits. “It took a while to bounce back, but starting on something new helped me shake off the intensity of the last shoot. Still, it was surreal—imagine coming straight from a plane hijack to boarding another plane!”
As for regrets, Patralekhaa is clear she has none. “Every choice felt right or wrong in its moment, but I’m genuinely happy when films I passed on work for the people who made them,” she says. And in every role, she finds a piece of herself. “It’s a tricky question, but I’d say all my characters are like me in some way. They’re not copies, but there’s a little of me in all of them and when I finish a project, each character leaves something behind with me too.”
This project also reunited her with actor Vijay Varma, an old friend and respected peer. “I’ve known Vijay for a long time. The first time we met was during auditions and I knew even then he was destined for success.” Although they don’t see each other often, they share a supportive bond. “I cheer for him from afar. Whenever I see a performance of his that moves me, I make it a point to tell him.”
Alongside her career achievements, Patralekhaa has found unwavering support in her partner, actor Rajkummar Rao. “He’s my biggest cheerleader,” she asserts. “When the reviews for IC 814 started coming in, he was happier than I was. If I need to practice a scene, he’s the one taking my audition.” However, they rarely rehearse scenes together, as Patralekhaa believes in spontaneity. “We discuss our scenes but don’t rehearse them. For me, preparing too much can make a scene feel rehearsed rather than real. I want the magic to happen on set.”
As Patralekhaa reflects on her journey, she recognises that each experience, role and relationship has added a new layer to her as an artist. And with this latest project, she’s embraced a new level of intensity, one that’s bound to make an impact on audiences and deepen her evolving legacy in the industry.
