'Bollywood is a different ballgame'

'I hope OTT remains that way where the focus is on performance and good content.'

Pranati Rai Prakash makes a splash in the new Web series, Cartel, where she plays the youngest member of the Angre family.

"I've always been intrigued by the gangster stories of Mumbai," Pranati tells Rediff.com Contributor Prateek Sur.

What is that one experience from the show which you will always remember?

We have many memories from our outdoor shoot -- listening to music, dancing, singing...

Cartel has been in the making for over two years. Were you nervous about whether the show will finally come out or not?

It did take long, but I was always sure that it would overcome its hurdles and make its way to the screens.

Cartel is a multi-starrer show. What drew you to this script?

I've always been intrigued by the gangster stories of Mumbai.

How was it working with Rithvik Dhanjani?

It was great working with him. He's so full of energy and is so talented.

He's a great co-actor and it was nice watching him perform those intense scenes.

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Do you think OTT platforms have given young actors a chance to get their due credit?

Definitely! It's new, hence a fair platform for everyone to get a chance.

I hope it remains that way where the focus is on performance and good content.

How difficult is shooting in this new normal? What sort of precautions are you taking while going for shoots?

We wear the mask all the time and sanitise our hands as and when needed.

At some places, there are machines that sanitise our clothes and bags.

It's safe, but definitely, we have to take precautions. We have to be vaccinated as well.

You began your journey from India's Next Top Model. Do you think the show gave you a platform to start your career in Bollywood?

I don't think India's Next Top Model had much to do with Bollywood.

It was a modelling competition in a form of a reality show on MTV.

Acting in Bollywood is a different ballgame altogether.

It gave me a lot of love and popularity for sure which I value very much.

I've built my career bit by bit.

Whatever I have today is all with much hard work and patience.

Being from an army family, how difficult was it to convince your parents to start a career in modelling and acting?

I always had a knack for fashion and acting and they could see that.

They were happy with me as I continued to perform well in my studies.

After I got selected for Miss India and they saw me in TV ads, they were convinced that I was serious about my passion.

What will we see you in next?

Penthouse. It's a Netflix film.