She's just seventeen but has dared to essay the role of a matriach on the small screen. We are talking of Prachi Desai aka Bani, Ekta Kapoor's new find and the lead protagonist of Zee TV's Kasamh Se who has become a household name today. So much so, that many have often compared her to lead protagonists like Tulsi and Parvati. Living up to her childhood dreams, this simple middle class girl from Pune always dreamt of making it big in life. Here in a free wheeling chat with Sameera Kapoor, Prachi talks about her new found fame, Ekta Kapoor and on being compared to Smriti Irani.

"It is totally unfair of me to be compared to Smrit Iranii, who is an icon. "

What does this new found fame mean to you?
I too keep asking myself the same question. All this is yet to sink in. Cause just a few years back I too was just like any other girl who loved serials and stars. I don't understand how I've managed to get all this adulation as a newcomer. Sometimes, I introspect on these things. After Kasamh Se my world has changed altogether.

How did you bag the lead role?
I was in class 12th and had enrolled in a modeling workshop in Pune. One day someone just asked me to go in for a Balaji audition. I was reluctant initially since I was busy preparing for my board exams. But eventually I did go in for the audition. Luckily, I was shortlisted and was asked to come over to Mumbai.

So destiny played a major role in your success.?
Absolutely, it played a major role. Otherwise, like any other college student even today I would have been buried amidst books and trying to chalk out a better future by scoring well in exams.

What homework did you do for the role?
No homework really. I let my emotions just flow with the tide. I think this has to do with the fact that I have always wanted to be an actor. The telescreen has always my aim in life. So, I bring in a lot of passion to my profession.

Recently, the show was in news for the consummation scene between Bani and Mr Walia was shot. Were you uncomfortable enacting the scenes considering you are just seveteen?
I was very uncomfortable doing that scene. In fact, I had goose bumps all over my body. But then my co-workers and Ekta helped me to settle down. Besides the shooting was done aesthetically, however on screen it looked much bigger and detailed.

How does your family react to this? Did you watch the scene with your family?
They were very supportive. My mom doesn't interfere with my work and my father was receptive of the idea. The scene was needed in the script. Yes, we did watch it together. As we have seen such scenes even before I became an actor, so it was not something new for my family.

"I am like any other seventeen year old, fun loving, bubbly and least of all silent."

How's it working with Ekta - as she is supposed o be a tough cookie?
See people are entitled to their opinion. But with me she has been very co-operative, helpful and friendly. I have never felt that she is very harsh on the actors. The day when Kasamh se was to go on air, myself and Ekta had gone to the Siddhivinayak temple to seek blessings. At the temple I got to see the lighter and softer side of Ekta.

Some say you're her lucky charm?
(Laughs) I think contrary to her considering me as her lucky mascot, it's actually the reverse. She has been my lucky charm. How else can you describe that a 17 year girl gets to act with Balaji, perhaps one of the biggest production houses in the country. I've heard of some very good actors who slog for years but there are stories within our industry itself where actors slog for years together and that one break is always elusive..

How different are you from Bani in real life and what is the real Prachi like?
We are very much different. While Bani is very mature, independent, silent and a firm women. I am quite the opposite. I am like any other seventeen year old, fun loving, bubbly and least of all silent. Besides, Bani is the eldest in the family so she is very responsible, while I am the youngest and therefore the most pampered.

You are already been compared to Smiriti Irani and being projected as the face of Zee?
I think that it is totally unfair to be compared to Smriti, who is an icon. I am not trying to sound very clichéd and diplomatic. I am just one serial old. In fact, I have grown up seeing Smriti play the role of Tulsi. I have immense of respect for the position that she has acquired in the industry.

"Today what I have is something which is hundred times bigger and better..."

Do you try to imitate her style of acting or is there anyone else whom you look upto while essaying Bani's character?
No I do not think I imitate anyone at least knowingly. In addition to this, there are a lot of actors who have carved out a niche for themselves not because they have been imitating somebody's style but because of their uniqueness and creativity.

Are you keen on getting into films?
Right now Kasamh Se leaves me with no energy to think about anything else. Maybe once I am done with this show, I might think of films as my next option. But right now I am enjoying each and every moment of my success.

Balaji is known to alter names as per numerology.What about you?
I wouldn't mind going for it, after all who doesn't want luck to be on their side.

Don't you feel that admist all these you have lost your precious teen days which can be a lot of fun?
Definitely to a certain extent I do miss all the teen fun. But rather than brooding about what I have lost, I should be celebrating what I have achieved. According to me, today what I have is something which is hundred times bigger and better. In fact, I think I am really lucky that I could make it to this level so easily and that too with very little struggle.

How has your professional journey been this far?
It's been like a dream. The success is just sinking in. Though, at first I was finding it hard to fit into this environment but now I am going with the flow and have no complains about being here.