I am an emotional person, that helps add depth to my roles: Roshni Prakash

Roshni Prakash recently experienced a moment that affirmed her decision to pursue acting over accepting a full scholarship to an Australian university. Reflecting on the release of her latest film, Murphy, she recalls a particular theatre visit. “The hall was unusually quiet, and towards the end, we realised the audience was simply overwhelmed by the story. I was especially touched when an elderly man approached me and said, ‘Janani (the name of the character she plays in the film), I just wanted to look at your face for a few moments, that’s all’, and he quietly walked away. It left me both stunned and moved,” Roshni shares with a smile. More on her journey thus far.
‘The universe made me take up acting’
I was 14 and visiting the Nimishamba temple in Srirangapatna with friends when a film director spotted me and offered me a film. I didn’t take it up then, nor did I tell my parents about it. But when I was in my third year at an engineering college, after receiving multiple film offers, I felt that the universe was giving me a sign that this was the direction I was meant to take.
‘I Gave up a scholarship in Australia to enter showbiz’
I was a good student and always managed to score well, even with last-minute studying. I had earned a spot in a top Australian university for my master’s, but I felt a calling toward films that I couldn’t ignore, so I didn’t think twice about giving it up. My parents have been my biggest cheerleaders. They were thrilled when I signed my first film. Earlier, I had also signed up to participate in a beauty pageant. It was my mom who bought me my first bikini for the swimwear round. I was so shy and hesitant, but she encouraged me to go ahead and conquer my fears.
‘Commercial and content-driven films serve an important purpose for me’
Mass films give me exposure, which brings recognition and more opportunities, while content films feed my creative hunger. The small budget films may not pay much, but they’re creatively fulfilling. I try to maintain a balance because I believe that good work always leads to more good work.
‘An actor must take care of mental health’
Mental health is something that needs to be taken care of. When I’m not working, I go to Mysuru to be with my parents and do the everyday things that keep me grounded. I don’t go to parties to be seen; if anyone wants to connect, there is always social media. Though, I also do take month-long breaks from social media as I feel it is important to avoid seeking validation online. My Mysuru home and my parents keep me real.
‘Kannada is home; the South Film Industry has been my playground’
So far, I have been part of 14 films in Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. Kannada is home to me, and the South Film Industry has been my playground. Everyone tells me I seem completely at ease and natural on screen. I think it’s because I spend a lot of time with myself, staying in touch with my inner voice. It keeps me authentic and grounded. I’m an emotional person, and that sensitivity helps me add depth to the characters I play.