Patralekhaa on marrying Rajkummar Rao, her sweetheart of 11 years: ‘It helps that we’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders’

Q. From advertisements to CityLights and IC814, how has your journey been so far?

Patralekhaa: My journey has been one of growth, learning, and immense gratitude. Starting with advertisements taught me discipline, and CityLights introduced me to the depth and vulnerability of storytelling. IC814 brought an entirely new challenge—it pushed me to explore a different spectrum of emotions and intensity, and I’m glad that it was so well received by the audience. Every project has been a stepping stone, shaping me into the person and artist I am today.

Q. You participated in the Spoken Fest, which was organised for the first time in your city. How did it feel, and what are you most excited about?

Patralekhaa: Being part of the first-ever Spoken Fest in Shillong feels like coming full circle. Shillong is an integral part of my identity, and this event celebrates the art and voices from all corners. It’s also an opportunity to give back to my roots and inspire others to believe in their stories.

Q. How vital are such platforms for you, personally and professionally?

Patralekhaa: For me, platforms like the Spoken Fest are invaluable. Personally, they offer a space to express and connect with an audience 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. It’s where art meets authenticity, and that’s a rare and beautiful thing. I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and learning more about the arts.

Q. Tell us about Shillong and your childhood memories. Where would you go if you had a day to take someone around the place?

Patralekhaa: Shillong is where my heart feels most at home. If I had a day to show someone around, we’d start with the breath-taking views at Shillong Peak, stroll through Police Bazaar for local treats, and spend time by Umiam Lake for its serenity. We’d end the day at my brother’s cafe – Cherry Bean – or a local jamming session—it’s the perfect way to experience the city.

Q. You married your sweetheart of 11 years. Has marriage changed your equation with Rajkummar Rao in any way?

Patralekhaa: Marriage hasn’t changed our equation much; it has only deepened our bond. We’ve been together since the beginning of our careers and have always been partners who support and challenge each other to grow, and that dynamic continues. Balancing personal and professional lives comes naturally because we respect each other’s individuality. It helps that we’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders—we discuss, brainstorm, and keep each other grounded.

Q. You’ve been part of the glamour world for a long time. Did you face challenges or discrimination because you’re from the northeast?

Patralekhaa: Challenges, yes, but they’ve only made me stronger. While the industry has become more inclusive, the underrepresentation of actors from the Northeast is still there. I hope to see more talent from the Northeast take center stage soon.

Patralekhaa and Tillotama Shome at the recently-concluded Spoken Fest. (Photo: PR handout)

Q. How closely are you and Rajkummar involved in each other’s professional lives? Do you discuss scripts, give advice, or share tips?

Patralekhaa: We’re definitely involved, but there’s always space to make our own decisions. We discuss scripts, bounce off ideas, 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 thing you’ve ever done to get into the skin of a character?

Patralekhaa: Every role comes with its unique challenges, but CityLights was particularly transformative. Playing Rakhi demanded emotional rawness I hadn’t explored before. Even with IC814, diving into a tense, hostage-like situation required me to tap into a space I’d never been in before. Such roles have helped me grow as an actor and explore certain emotions on a more immersive level.

Q. Being an actor puts you under constant spotlight, including for things you wouldn’t want to be. Does it ever affect your mental health?

Patralekhaa: It does, sometimes. Constant scrutiny can be overwhelming, but I’ve learned to focus on what truly matters—my craft and loved ones. Meditation and simply spending time with Raj and my loved ones help me stay grounded. I remind myself that being in the spotlight is a privilege, but it’s also okay to draw boundaries.

Q. Tell us about your session at the fest with Tillotama Shome.

Patralekhaa: The session with Tillotama was a heart-felt exchange. We dived into our shared experiences as women in cinema, the stories that inspire us, and the importance of representation. Those were candid conversations, a celebration of storytelling, and hopefully, there were some takeaways that resonated with the audience on a much deeper level.