Pragya Jaiswal: Balayya Made Me Comfortable In Just 5 Mins

Nata Simham Nandamuri Balakrishna and Boyapati Srinu’s hat-trick movie Akhanda will be arriving in theatres next week. Pragya Jaiswal who played heroine opposite Balakrishna in Akhanda shared her experiences of working for the movie.

How did you feel working with a star like Balakrishna?
Akhanda is Balakrishna sir’s 106th film. I was bit nervous initially, because I didn’t work with such a big star earlier. Working with him was a fascinating journey. He made me comfortable in just 5 minutes. He made it very easy and fun. He’s talkative. He doesn’t intimidate you. There is always positive aura. He just listens to every technician. He is inspiring in every way. I learnt a lot from him.

Tell us about your character in the film?
I played an IAS officer in the film. It’s a very different character. Boyapati didn’t want me to look like Pragya from Kanche or my other previous films. I needed to go for a makeover for the movie. I worked very hard to play the role.

Every movie has something to learn. What did you learn working for Akhanda?
After the pandemic was over, I actually felt like a fresh start. As soon as pandemic got over, I got this offer. I literally treated it like my first film. I used to go to shoot everyday, like a good student. I used to be on sets few minutes before the start of the shoot. There has been a learning every single day on set. Working with a good team just ensures that you’re learning every day. And this is a firecracker team. Balakrishna, Boyapati and entire team, it’s like I just tried to make the most of every single day and learnt as much as I could.

Which among Balakrishna’s two character you liked the most?
Akhanda character was something never done before, in other languages as well. He made this character look very powerful and convincing. Balakrishna sir is very dynamic and he was on a different level to play the role. I can’t say now which character I liked the movie, until the film releases.

How important your character in the film?
The story of the film revolves around my character named Shravanya Bachupally. It’s driving force of the entire film. Despite it being a commercial film, I got a very significant role to play. I have something good enough to be in the film. The girls have strong roles to play in Boyapati’s films.

How’s it working with Boyapati Srinu?
Working with Boyapati is one of the best experiences. He is somebody with great vision, clarity and conviction. He knows exactly what he wants from his actors. He makes sure that everyone is doing their best. He will make sure everyone is happy and excited about his movie.

Did you feel comfortable working under the banner?
This is my second film with the production house. Both are directed by Boyapati. Producer Ravinder Reddy is very passionate about cinema. He has great vision for his production and for the films. He also likes to get involved. It’s wonderful working experience. Working with them is smooth, comfortable and happy experience.

Do you feel extra responsible promoting the film on social media platforms?
Balakrishna and Boyapati are not on social media. Only me and Thaman are there to promote the film on social media which is very important of late.

Do you have dance numbers in the movie?
Akhanda is not a kind of film with lots of commercial songs. The story line doesn’t allow too many dance numbers. We have one mass song coming tomorrow. I love dancing since childhood. It’s the reason for me becoming an actor. There’s another song in the film which is yet to be released.

The actress reveals she’s in talks for couple of films.