Exclusive - Pranali Rathod on her new show Durga, comparisons of her looks with Deepika Padukone, parting ways with Akshara and linkup rumours with Harshad Chopda

Pranali Rathod recently shared her insights on her new show Durga, discussing her strong off-screen rapport and on-screen chemistry with co-star Aashay Mishra, as well as her experience filming in Rajasthan. She also reflected on her popular role as Akshara in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and the challenge of bidding farewell to the character after two years. Additionally, Pranali addressed the rumors surrounding her link-up and wedding speculations with co-star Harshad Chopda, clarifying their relationship and stating that these rumors haven't affected their bond. (Photo: Instagram)

It is a huge compliment for me if my looks are getting compared to Deepika Padukone’s look from Ram Leela. But personally I’m also liking it. I’ve not had this kind of look in my shows previously. I like dressing up a lot. We have kept the look very authentic and I have a fantastic designer Karishma. We have sat for four four hours daily to curate these looks. We have kept my look very authentic. Be it my jewellery, costume or tattoo, everything is authentic. I am mostly wearing whites in my show and I’m in love with my looks. (Photo: Instagram)

We had an amazing time shooting for the show in Rajasthan. When we went for the shoot outdoors it was in Summers and it was quite hot. But the experience was out of the world. I had never seen sand dunes in my life ever so for me it was an overall new experience. I had a blast. The show has been shot beautifully and the locations were stunning. The promos have full Sanjay Leela Bhansali feels and we realised that while shooting itself. (Photo: Instagram)

I have known Aashay since 2019. We did a mock shoot for a show together and I was very new into the industry. I had only done one project at that time and I’ve known him since then. Now, after so many years we met for the reading of Durga and he asked me do you remember, and I was of course I remember. He had bagged the other show for which we met for the first time and I couldn’t crack it. (Photo: Instagram)

I am a seeker for a good project and whenever I hear a good story, or character I just grab with both hands. I don’t take the pressure that now that I’ve done a successful show, I’ve to only do a big or successful show only. Of course I want to be a part of good, big projects. Before Yeh Rishta also the shows I’ve done have been good. I’ve been very lucky that I have supporting fans who always support me and thanks to them I try and choose different projects. (Photo: Instagram)

I don’t think I’ve been able to break the image of Akshara. Whenever I go out I hear people addressing me as Akshu. It is difficult as the fans have connected immensely with Akshara. They still miss Akshara a lot. I would do my best to make the character of Durga also popular and that they can see the character in me and love me the same way. I have done a few changes to the character of Durga so that they can see the changes. (Photo: Instagram)

Yes, it is very difficult to part ways from Akshara. It was my first show which I did for two years at a stretch. I played the role for two years continuously and then the leap happened and we had to exit. All of it happened suddenly so it makes a difference to your life. But life is about moving on and I’ve learnt new things in this break of 7 months. I did a few new classes and worked on improving my skills. I don’t want to forget Akshara ever. It is like adding another feather to my hat. (Photo: Instagram)

Nahi, Meri koi Shaadi nahi horahi. But I understand what the fans feel about a hit onscreen pair. I watch a lot of K- dramas and rom coms so when I like a pair I also feel wow they look so good together. I also like to watch the BTS and what all goes into making the show and what all happens behind the scenes as the pair looks cute together. So I understand where the emotions of the fans are coming from. I respect their emotions, they loved us a lot. (Photo: Instagram)

The dating rumours with Harshad started doing the rounds for the same reasons. Fans would make such cute edits for us. I respect their efforts and the way they continued loving me even after we left the show. They made us the number 1 Jodi for two years. Fans have showered very much on us and appreciate that. I also feel as a celebrity it is a part and parcel of our lives. It feels nice that the audiences were able to connect with us so much. Par shaadi waale toh Khair rumours he hai… (Photo: Instagram)

Initially, the linkup rumours would affect me because earlier it had not happened with me ever. I would keep saying no it should not happen. But then I realised it’s fine, fans are making good edits, I’m looking beautiful and I understood their emotions. (Photo: Instagram)

These linkup rumours don't affect my friendship with Harshad as we worked together for two years. We know each other very well. So it doesn’t bother or affect our friendship. (Photo: Instagram)