Can't Take Rejections Personally: Mirzapur Actor Prashansa's Mantra To Survive In Industry

Actor Prashansa Sharma recently gained recognition for her powerful performances in popular OTT series like Mirzapur and Dahaad. However, her journey in the world of acting has been one of continuous learning and dedication, beginning with her school days where her passion for the stage first took seed. 

In conversation with SheThePeople, Prashansa looked back on her journey, from those early performances to her formal training and eventual professional debut. She also reflected on the ups and downs of her career, and acknowledged, "It's been a blend of fortunate opportunities and challenging moments."

Prashansa Sharma's Journey In Entertainment

Her passion for acting took root during her school days when she began performing on stage. She shared, "I started acting on stage naturally during school, never imagining it would become my profession. My mother, who performed in college plays, often shares stories like the one about Panchi Aise Aate Hain by Vijay Tendulkar, where she had acid thrown on her during a performance."

"Growing up in a family that loves music, dance, and literature, I was immersed in art from a young age and received plenty of encouragement."

The actor then talked about her formal training at the Prague Film School and The Drama School, in Mumbai, which provided a foundation that allowed her to view life through a new lens.  "I feel blessed to have been introduced to theatre by such incredible artists who showed me the discipline and rigour required to be a performer," Prashansa reflected. These early encounters emphasised that true acting transcends appearances, focussing instead on delivering performances with authentic truth.

The Demands Of Portraying Complex Characters

In all her characters, the actor revealed how particularly Radhiya's character in Mirzapur required extensive physical, mental and emotional work. "Playing Radhiya, who is a suppressed and abused character with a painful past, demands a deep exploration of her trauma and daily struggles. It was a demanding process that challenges me, and I love the challenge."

In the gritty world of Mirzapur starring Rasika Dugal and Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Prashansa also shared how the portrayal of women stands out for its depth and complexity. "I feel Mirzapur stands out because almost all the women characters are well-rounded and leave a big impact, even in such a strict patriarchal world. Credit goes to the creators for constantly pushing boundaries and bringing these women into the spotlight," Prashansa noted

Moreover, working on the set of Mirzapur has been a learning experience for Prashansa. "I've had the chance to work with incredibly talented actors and watch their process and preparation for each scene and character," she said. This exposure to dedicated craft and passion has set a high standard, inspiring her to maintain that same level of commitment in every role.

Overcoming Rejections 

Looking ahead, Prashansa is excited about exploring diverse roles and genres. "I’d love to take on an action film, a negative role, or any part that shows a different side of me as an actor," she said. 

However, one of the most significant challenges she has faced is dealing with rejection, a common hurdle in the acting world. "I’ve learnt not to take rejections personally, I deal with setbacks by pouring my heart and soul into everything I do," she revealed. This approach has been crucial in maintaining her mental well-being and perseverance in the industry.

To keep her acting skills sharp, the actor remains committed to continuous improvement. "I work on myself almost every day. This involves refining my voice and body and immersing myself in both Indian and world cinema. I watch films, do interviews, and listen to podcasts with other actors to learn about their processes. Above all, I strive to live a full life full of experiences," she said.