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'My career has changed after Rock On'

After playing the dutiful wife in the popular soap Kasamh Se, Prachi Desai repeated her act in her film debut, Rock On!!.

She plays wife again in her upcoming film Life Partner, only this time, she does not take on a timid role in the marriage.

Prachi talks to Rajul Hegde about her new film, and why she does not want to play a wife on screen again.

Tell us about your role in Life Partner.

My character's name is Prachi. She is a Gujarati girl from a joint family with modern Indian values. She is a homemaker, who is very caring. She always stands by her decisions. The viewers will be able to relate with them.

What is your own take on marriage?

(Smiles) I can write a book on marriage after being married to Ram Kapoor in Kasamh Se, Farhan Akhtar in Rock On!! and Tusshar Kapoor in Life Partner! Marriage is a social norm, and every girl looks forward to getting married.

Life Partner is about two relationships -- about love and arranged marriage. After doing this film, I've learnt quite a bit about marriage. Now I know the ups and down of love marriage and arranged marriage.

Personally, I would prefer a love marriage because arranged marriages require a lot of compromises. In love marriages, you only need to make adjustments.

'There were some worries about being typecast'

Are you still single?

Yes, and ready to mingle! I am enjoying this phase but I do miss college life.

Don't you fear being typecast as a housewife?

Initially, there were some worries about being typecast. But Life Partner sees a transition from a girl to a wife. People will see the other side of me because this film is a light- hearted comedy.

When I was offered my next film Once Upon A Time, the first thing I asked the director was whether I am playing a wife. He assured me that I was not. I am happy I'm finally getting to play different roles.

Are you finally happy that you get to dance in Life Partner?

Yes! It was very thrilling to be choreographed by Saroj-ji (Khan). We had a lot of fun filming this dance sequence because an important story element happens during this song.

'My director told me to keep Rekha's act in Khoobsurat in my mind'

Do you feel insecure about featuring in a multi-starrer film?

Not really. If you have that mindset, you may not be able to focus on your job. I would like to put it in other way. Being a newcomer in the industry gives me an opportunity to learn from actors who have more experience than me.

You have played more mature and serious kinds of roles before. How comfortable are you with comedy?

I always knew comedy is the most difficult to play. But after doing this film, I got to really know the difficult side of it. The timing required is very tough.

It was a delight to watch Govinda perform. He is humorous off screen as well. Tusshar Kapoor was very hard working and Fardeen Khan has good comic timing as well. They gelled so well that their chemistry shows on screen.

Genelia and I mostly had to react to funny incidents.

My director told me to keep Rekha's act in Khoobsurat in my mind -- it could be because of the way both characters are bold.

'I make an effort to look good and look different'

What is the secret of your new look?

That's a huge compliment! After doing certain things for two and a half years, to appear differently is very difficult. It's tough for people to accept me as well because of the mindset they have for the character I've played before. I had to make a personal attempt because of the profession I have chosen. Since I am in this profession, I have to carry myself in a certain way. Little things matter. If something goes wrong with your appearance, it gets written about. And that makes you feel bad.

So I make an effort to look good and look different. I don't have any advisors. I have experimented with my look, and that's something I don't do all the time.

Who has designed your costumes in Life Partner?

Manish Malhotra has designed Genelia's outfits, Tusshar's outfits and mine. Genelia and I completely trusted him. I got to learn so many things from him like fits, cuts, lipstick colors, sandals, nail paint...

How was it working with Govinda, Fardeen, Tusshar and Genelia?

I didn't know Tusshar well though I had met him at a few parties before. I had heard he was very hard working and chilled out. But after working with him, I discovered his humorous side. He is shy but comfortable with friends.

I have the maximum screen time with Tusshar because I play his wife. I didn't have many scenes with Govinda, Genelia and Fardeen but we would have a blast when we were together.

You've enjoyed a lot of success in your career. Yet, you're doing a film with Fardeen and Tusshar, who have not seen any hits in a long time.

I don't think it's fair to say that. Everybody has ups and downs in their career. They had hits in No Entry and Golmaal. I not worried about any external factors but yes, I am nervous as well as excited about the film, as the release date comes closer.

'I want to play characters my age'

How is life after Rock On!!?

My career has changed a lot. I feel like I have started all over again because I'm fairly new to this. This is a new thing, where the work pattern is so different from television.

How many scripts were you offered after Rock On!!?

There were a few offers but I thought it was not the right time to do them. I took up Life Partner because it was a light-hearted comedy, and a break from my regular serious roles.

My third film Once Upon A Time is not a comedy but has a theme. I have a 70s look in it. That's very different from what I have done so far too. Right now, I want to play characters my age, not mature ones.

Given a chance would you like to take part of a reality show?

I don't want to be a contestant in any reality show but I don't mind hosting one. Jhalak Dikha Jaa was an amazing experience. I want that to remain as the best.

What is your equation with your mentor Ekta Kapoor now?

Nothing has changed, she is like family to me. Even when I was doing her show, Kasamh Se, it was not like she was on the set all the time. I call Ekta whenever I need advice.