FRome City Lights who IC814Each project has been a “stepping stone” for Patralekha, helping to hone her skills as an artist. When challenges came, he took them in his stride and emerged strong.
In an exclusive interaction with indianexpress.com, the actor – who hails from Shillong – spoke candidly about his journey, the challenges that came his way, his boyfriend and Now husband Rajkumar Raotheir relationship, and the underrepresentation of actors from the Northeast. Read edited excerpts below:
Q. Since advertising City Lights and IC814How has your journey been so far?
Correspondence: My journey has been one of growth, learning, and immense gratitude. Starting in advertising taught me discipline, and CityLights introduced me to the depth and risk of storytelling. IC814 It brought a completely new challenge – it pushed me to explore a different spectrum of emotion and intensity, and I’m happy that the audience accepted it well. Every project has been a stepping stone, shaping me into the person and artist I am today.
Q. You participated in the first Spoken Fest held in your city. How did it feel, and what are you most excited about?
Correspondence: Being a part of Spoken Fest for the first time in Shillong feels like coming full circle. Shillong is an integral part of my identity, and this event celebrates art and sound from every corner. It’s also an opportunity to give back to my roots and inspire others to believe in their stories.
Q. How important are such platforms to you personally and professionally?
Correspondence: For me, platforms like Spoken Fest are invaluable. Individually, they provide space to express and connect with audiences on a deeply human level. Professionally, they are a way to break out of the confines of screen personas and showcase the person behind the roles. This is where art meets authenticity, and it’s a rare and beautiful thing. I really enjoy meeting new people and learning more about art.
Q. Tell us about Shillong and your childhood memories. If you had a day to take someone around, where would you go?
Correspondence: Shillong is where my heart feels most at home. If I had a day to show someone around, we’d start with this Breath taking views at Shillong PeakStroll through Police Bazaar for a local treat, and spend time basking in the serenity of Umiam Lake. We’ll end the day at my brother’s cafe – the Cherry Bean – or at a local jamming session – a great way to experience the city.
Q. You married your girlfriend of 11 years. Has marriage changed your equation with Rajkummar Rao?
Correspondence: Marriage hasn’t changed our equation much; It has only deepened our relationship. We’ve been together since the beginning of our careers and have always been partners who support and challenge each other, and that dynamic continues. Personal and professional life balance comes naturally because we respect each other’s individuality. It helps that we are each other’s biggest cheerleaders—we discuss, brainstorm, and build each other up.
Q. You have been a part of the world of glamor for a long time. Did you face challenges or discrimination because you are from the Northeast?
Correspondence: Challenges, yes, but they have only made me stronger. While the industry has become more inclusive, artists from the Northeast are still underrepresented. I hope more talent from the Northeast will take center stage soon.
Patralekha and Tilotma Shom at the recently concluded Spoken Fest. (Photo: PR Handover)
Q. How close are you and Rajkumar in each other’s professional life? Do you discuss scripts, give advice, or share tips?
Correspondence: We are certainly involved, but there is always room to make our own decisions. We discuss scripts, bounce ideas off, and give each other honest feedback — it’s like having a sounding board you can trust completely. At the same time, we know when to step back and let the other navigate their journey independently.
Q. What has been the most challenging job you’ve ever done to get into the skin of a character?
Correspondence: Each role comes with its unique challenges, however City Lights was particularly transformative. Playing Rakhi demanded an emotional rawness that I hadn’t sought before. too With the IC814, plunging into a tense, hostage-like position I needed to tap into a place I had never been before. Such roles have helped me grow as an actor and explore certain emotions on a more immersive level.
Q. Being an actor always puts you in the spotlight, including things you don’t want to be. Does it ever affect your mental health?
Correspondence: It does, sometimes. The constant scrutiny can be overwhelming, but I’ve learned to focus on what really matters—my craft and loved ones. Meditation and spending time with Raj and my loved ones helps me stay grounded. I remind myself that being in the spotlight is a privilege, but it’s okay to draw boundaries.
Q. Tell us about your session at Shome’s festival in Tillot.
Correspondence: The session with Tilotama was a heart-wrenching exchange. We delved into our shared experiences as women in cinema, the stories that inspire us and the importance of representation. They were candid conversations, a celebration of storytelling, and hopefully, there were some takeaways that resonated with the audience on a much deeper level.
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