Boss Lady

PRERNA ARORA is on a roll. And how! This immensely talented diva has bagged her first National Award for her debut film Rustom and has also secured her position in the 100 crore film club. Her kitty of films including Toilet: Ek Prem Katha to Pari are fascinating. Prerna Arora talks to Riya Lakhmani about her life as a producer, films and more…

- Prerna Arora

Most people tend to be inclined towards acting or direction. What made you take up production as a career?

I understand a lot of people are inclined towards acting but I think producing a film is a very different ball game altogether. Everybody has different talents and skills, it’s about recognising your own talents. You can be talented as a chef or a designer. You discover yourself not in the initial stage or when you are growing up, but when you are a little more sensible and mature. So, for me production is definitely something I really wanted to get into 100 per cent. I was always fascinated with the world that filmmakers and producers create like Rakesh Roshan’s film or Shakti Samanta Films or Hrishikesh Mukherjee Films. So I wanted to devote my life to the business of filmmaking and it is something I truly believe in.

This is supposedly a male dominated space. How do you prepare yourself to cope with all the challenges?

Well, luckily I have never faced this kind of challenge here. I have been very warmly and cordially welcomed. Now we know this is the time of revolution, where everything is all about equality. It’s a phase where people are accepting talent. People realise the value you bring on the table irrespective of the gender you are. So, I don’t think I really have any issues, rather I think people are more encouraging. I have not got any kind of disrespect from anybody.

When you are starting out in your career - be it anybody - newcomers ko always