July 3: Known for bringing audiences closer to the personalities behind the spotlight, Shekhar Tonite continues to spark conversations that go beyond headlines. In the latest episode, Shekhar Suman sits down with actor, creator and author Prajakta Koli, who reflects on her journey from one of India’s earliest YouTube creators to carving a space for herself in films, streaming and literature. As she prepares to bid an emotional farewell to her beloved character Dimple Ahuja with the final season of Mismatched, Prajakta also opens up about choosing meaningful projects over screen time and why she’s happy taking smaller roles that resonate with her as an actor.
Speaking about Mismatched, the series that has been a part of her life for nearly seven years, Shekhar asked Prajakta whether she saw herself more as Dimple Ahuja or the younger version of herself.
Responding emotionally, “It would be Dimple Ahuja only. There are so many things she does that I have never agreed with, but I have always empathised with her because I think she is a beautiful person. We’re shooting the final season now, and every day feels like one day closer to saying goodbye to her. It’s breaking my heart. I know people might think it’s just a character, but I don’t think anything can prepare me for the day I have to say, ‘I‘m not going to be Dimple Ahuja anymore.’”
Recalling what drew her to the role of Dimple, Prajakta revealed that unlike most character briefs, this one wasn’t defined by appearance but by the person Dimple was. “When the brief came to me, it had nothing to do with the way Dimple looked, which was surprising. Apart from saying she wears glasses, there was nothing about whether she was fair, dark, short or tall. It was all about how she’s ambitious, she’s a gamer, she wants to be a coder, and Nandini Nahata is her idol. She had never really thought about love until this perfect boy came into her life. I thought that was beautiful,” she shared.
The conversation then turned to Prajakta‘s upcoming projects, where she spoke about Operation Safed Sagar, Netflix’s series based on the Indian Air Force’s role during the Kargil War. “It’s a small role, but it’s a beautiful character. It’s a huge show and I‘m very grateful that I get to be a part of it,” she said.
Shekhar Suman noted that despite carving a successful identity for herself, she continues to take smaller roles in films. Asked if such roles still bring her satisfaction, Prajakta explained, “I did the cameo in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, because I‘m a huge Shashank Khaitan fan. I‘ve loved Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania. When Shashank Khaitan asked me if I‘d do it, I immediately said yes.”
Shekhar remarked that he could see her gradually becoming a full-fledged film actress, to which Prajakta responded, “That’s definitely where I see myself going, while continuing to create in whatever capacity I can.”
Tune in to Shekhar Tonite to watch Prajakta Koli in an unfiltered conversation with Shekhar Suman, only on YouTube.