How Producer Pragya Kapoor Combats Burnout In Demanding Entertainment World

It was during the production of the highly acclaimed film Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui that co-producer Pragya Kapoor realised just how demanding the entertainment industry can be. She found that whether you are in front of the camera or behind it, the pressures and demands are intense. She says that without taking good care of yourself, both mentally and physically, the industry can easily lead to burnout.

In a conversation with SheThePeople, Pragya Kapoor, who started her career in acting and is now helming projects behind the scenes as a producer, shared her experience and underscored that maintaining one's health is crucial, especially in a demanding industry like hers.

Pragya Kapoor's career began in event management before she transitioned into acting. This background proved to be invaluable when she ventured into film production. "I began my career in event management before transitioning into acting. I found that producing was quite similar, involving tasks such as financial planning and bringing various elements together to execute the vision. This experience made the transition feel very natural and not drastically different from what I used to do," she shared.

From Event Management to Film Production

As Kapoor entered the industry as an actor, she realised that the skills she had developed in event management, like being hands-on and detail-oriented, translated well into producing. "It felt like a natural extension of my previous work, allowing me to bring the same level of involvement and dedication to the producer side of the industry," she shared.

Kapoor then also shared how producing films like Kedarnath and Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui presented unique challenges and experiences. Kedarnath was particularly challenging due to its remote location with low oxygen levels and a lack of infrastructure. “When we were filming, there was no internet access, which required extensive planning to execute our vision,” she explained. 

On the other hand, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought its own set of challenges. Despite the numerous restrictions, including limits on the number of people on set, mask policies, and sanitation protocols, their meticulous planning ensured that there were no COVID cases on set. "It was one of the first films shot entirely during the pandemic, and we were committed to adhering strictly to COVID protocols to maintain a safe environment for everyone involved," she noted.

Leadership in Environmental Conservation

Moreover, along with the film’s production, environmental conservation is another area where Pragya has taken a leadership role. This commitment stems from her upbringing and was further reinforced by the birth of her children. "I wanted to provide them with a childhood immersed in nature, fostering a deep respect and appreciation for the environment, just as I experienced growing up," she explained. This aspiration motivated her to adopt more environmentally conscious practices.

Through the Ek Saath Foundation, Pragya is involved in two significant projects. The first aims to enhance conditions in low-income areas by fostering sustainable, hygienic, and healthy environments. "Our goal is to provide a more dignified life for residents by encouraging behavioural changes and implementing structured initiatives," she stated. 

The second project focuses on sustainable tourism and empowering local communities on Elephanta Island. The island faces substantial challenges, such as water scarcity and waste management issues exacerbated by tourism. "We are collaborating with locals to provide essential tools and infrastructure, including toilets and waste management centres, and addressing concerns related to the local animal population," she said. 

How Pragya Kapoor Combats Burnout 

Kapoor is also a strong advocate for women's health, a priority shaped by her personal experiences. After facing burnout twice—first following Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui and again after her latest film—she's learned the importance of self-care. Pragya emphasises that maintaining one's health is crucial, especially in a demanding industry like hers. "Being a working mother takes a significant toll on your health. We often make sacrifices and place our own well-being at the bottom of the priority list," she admitted. 

She has learned the hard way that it is essential to prioritise oneself. "It's essential to put your health at the top of your list, regardless of what others may say or think, and to do so without feeling guilty. Prioritising my health has become non-negotiable," she emphasised. This includes drinking enough water, getting sufficient sleep, taking time for massages, regular check-ups and ensuring breaks and holidays when needed. 

Kapoor, who is a mother of two, also shared how motherhood profoundly influenced her perspective on life and work. She recalled hearing parents say that you won’t truly understand their experiences until you have your own children. Now, she understands how true that is. "Being a mother has profoundly impacted my life and work. Parenthood teaches you about the sacrifices parents make and the lengths they go to ensure their children are safe and cared for," she shared. 

This maternal approach extends to her professional life, where she strives to nurture and support those she works with, much like she does with her children. "Motherhood has shaped my work ethic and the way I build and maintain professional relationships," she added.