No one would have forgotten the tall and stunning Delhi girl Prachi Tehlan in 'Mamangam', the Mookuthi belle who wowed us with her moves. She was already a professional basketball player who led the Indian team before she entered films. Being a lover of Kerala, this Vishu she decided to stay in Kerala and experience the festival. She also made sure she was photographed in a Kerala sari. Prachi Tehlan talks to Manorama online.
Kochi is my favourite city
I was invited as the Chief Guest at a function. Since Kochi is one of my favourite cities, I decided to extend my stay and savour nature, its glorious food as well as meet my friends. The other day I visited a Gurudwara here. I came to know about Vishu through some of my Malayalee friends. The idea of Vishu kani and sadya fascinated me and I decided to experience it firsthand. I was really looking forward to indulging in some authentic Kerala food, so this sadya seemed a good idea.
A photoshoot as a Malayalee girl
Since I am here for Vishu I thought of taking some pictures in a Kerala sari. Makeup was by Rizwan, sari by Turmeric official and Nivedita did the design. Jo Elise Jo was the stylist and the location was at Casa Rio. Sreehari Kulangarakunnummel was the photographer and assistant was Shithin Jo. I thoroughly enjoyed this photoshoot at my favourite place collaborating with some of my favourite people.
I love Malayalam
My first film was ‘Mamangam’ and I am really looking forward to acting in more Malayalam films. I am hopeful of signing a project soon. My Telugu film will be released in two months. Right now I am in talks with a Hindi web series.
Super happy that my Mookuthi song became a hit
‘Mamangam’ was a nice experience for me. I am happy that I am still remembered through that Mookuthi song. Producer Venu sir who is like a family member gave me this opportunity. I could also act with Unni Mukundan, Anu Sithara, Kaniha, Sudev and Achyuthan. But of course I really enjoyed acting with Mammukka. I also met so many lovely people and gained a lot of friends from here. Even today that I am in touch with them. 'Mamangam' will always be a beautiful chapter in my life.
Mammukka was amazing
I was in awe of Mammukka. He is such a dignified, gentle soul who had a thorough knowledge of the technical aspects of cinema. He was truly inspiring. He never gave me the impression that I was a newcomer. We spoke a lot about cinema. I respect him as an actor and as a human being.
Favourite actor
I love Priyanka Chopra and I am a huge fan of Mammootty.
From sports to cinema
I never thought I would come into films as sports was always a passion since childhood. My film entry was unexpected. I thought since I got a chance I might as well make use of it. That’s how cinema happened. Prachi the sportsperson and Prachi the film actor are two different people. It's sports that made me who I am.
Covid days
I learnt a lot about life during Covid. I reflected a lot on my life, goals, identity and ambitions during this phase. I learnt about family, spending time with them, happiness and the importance of time during this period. It was really an eye-opener for all of us.
Malayalam cinema is very rich in content
I love Malayalam films. And I do try to watch a lot of them. I really loved ‘Uyare.’ Recently I saw ‘Bheeshma Parvam’ and ‘Drishyam 2’ and really loved them. I think they have really great content here.
Greetings in Malayalam
I learnt a few Malayalam words during the ‘Mamangam’ shoot. I learnt to say ‘I love you’ in Malayalam. Having said that I think Malayalam is one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn. So let me wish you all in Malayalam—“Keralalathile ellavarkkum njan hridyamaya Vishu Ashamsakal nerunnu.”
