Ammakilikkoodu's Prakriti: I have crossed my state to play Sharanya, I believe I deserve this character

While Malayalam television boasts a plethora of local talent, a few non-Malayali artists have managed to captivate the audience's hearts. Joining this esteemed list is Kannada actress Prakriti Prasad, who has won over Ammakilikkoodu fans with her authentic portrayal of Sharanya. In an exclusive interview with ETimes TV, the actress discussed her foray into Malayalam, her character, and the significant challenges she faced.

When asked about her decision to take up a Malayalam project, Prakriti promptly responded, "I am in love with Sharanya."
"From my beginnings in Kannada, I was accustomed to portraying bold and modern characters. However, when the opportunity to play Sharanya arose, the well-mannered, hardworking, disciplined, and cultured nature of the character felt like a breath of fresh air to me. I seized the opportunity without a second thought. Who wouldn't want to portray such a disciplined character, at least on-screen," she chuckles.

When asked about the change in the industry, Prakriti shared that she is surprised by the attention to detail in Malayalam.

"Frankly, I entered with the confidence that I excel in acting. However, one of the very first scenes shattered my confidence. It was a brief shot of Sharanya giving a look to the camera while eating. I had to go through 10 takes to get it right. Each time, the team provided corrections, 'Don't shake your head,' 'The look was too sharp,' and 'Don't look surprised.' In the Kannada industry, we rely more on our physical expressions to convey emotions, but here it's all about being natural," she explained.

Talking about her struggles to adapt to the new language, Prakriti mentioned that learning Malayalam had been a long-term wish for her.

"I always wished to speak all five South Indian languages. The first Malayalam word I learned was 'Vandi' (Vehicle). Though Malayalam has this reputation of being one of the toughest languages to learn, I find it easy. I think Malayalam has roots in all the languages, so it's relatively easy," she said.

Reacting to one of the criticisms that makers face for bringing non-Malayali actors into the industry, Sharanya stated that it is all about who plays the character better.

"For the first time in my life, I have crossed my home state, and here I am, portraying the character of Sharanya. While it might be a run-of-the-mill role for a native Malayali actor, Sharanya holds profound significance for me, and I have invested considerable effort into it. Come on, folks, I deserve this character. In my view, it's all about dedication and skill, not just the language," she expressed.

The remarkable chemistry between Prakriti and Swapna, the on-screen mother-daughter duo, has already captured the viewers' attention. The actress expresses that Swapna is the best co-star she could ever ask for.

"I couldn't ask for a better mother or co-star. She teaches me so much off-screen, and that is the best I could ask for when entering a new industry. Swapna is someone who has upheld her name with dignity throughout the years, and she is surely a good mentor for me," she added.

Apart from her passion for acting, the serene beauty and culinary magic of Kerala have also attracted the actress. Though the vegetarian misses trying some authentic Kerala specials, she has already got her favorite list.

"Puttu and Kadala is my favorite. I also like Pazhampori a lot. The greenery in Kerala is unmatchable. I am in love with it. Every time I travel from Bengaluru, it feels like I am coming to my home in Kerala," she concluded.