Pratibha Ranta's food-filled homecoming in Shimla

The last time Pratibha Ranta was in her hometown Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, she was an actor in search of recognition.

- Akash Bhatnagar

But last month, she returned after two-and-a-half-years, and admits the city's perception towards her had changed, courtesy the success of Laapataa Ladies (2024). “When I left Shimla five years ago, I realised that I will be gone for a long time and won't be able to come back frequently. But when I returned, the love that I received from the city and its people was beautiful. When I went to the Mall Road, people recognised me. I get recognised i