Milestones...

PRAGYA JAISWAL, who was part of the ensemble comedy Khel Khel Mein, charts her cinematic journey with SRIJANI ROY CHOWDHURY

- SRIJANI ROY CHOWDHURY

Born and raised in the serene town of Jabalpur, Pragya Jaiswal's journey began as a diligent student with a keen interest in law.

However, her path took a dramatic turn when she ventured into the world of acting. Her flourishing career, in the South Indian film industry, is a testament to her dedication. She has also made a comeback to Hindi films with Khel Khel Mein (2024) after making her Hindi debut in Titoo MBA in 2014. Despite her success and fame, Pragya remains deeply grounded. She attributes much of her success to her family, who have played a crucial role in keeping her connected to her roots.

Says she, "They give me a reality check every day.

No matter how successful I am, whether it's a stellar day, week, month, or year, I always come back home as my parents' daughter." Her humility and close ties to her family highlight the balance she maintains between her career and her personal life.

As the head girl of her school, she demonstrated leadership and a passion for excellence that extended beyond academics. Her prowess spanned various fields, from athletics to the arts. And often her accomplishments became a source of admiration, and sometimes envy, among her peers. "I was the kid that other parents used as an example for their children. My friends would often joke about being frustrated with my successes, even asking me not to be good at everything.

My parents, on the other hand, were astonished when I decided to pursue acting. They had always envisioned me in a more conventional role, like a corporate executive, a doctor or an engineer," she reminisces with a chuckle. Pragya's academic journey took her to Symbiosis Law School in Pune, where she embarked on a path toward a legal career.

However, the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of Pune opened up new possibilities. "Moving to Pune made me realise that my long-standing passion for dancing could be explored more actively," she says.